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Teledyne FLIR Defense unveiled its Rogue 1 loitering munition drone – a new unmanned aerial system (sUAS) designed to knock out stationary armored targets, soft-skinned vehicles, and dismounted threats, and can be rapidly deployed to armed forces in performing precision strikes.
According to Interesting Engineering, the Rogue 1 has advanced electro-optical and thermal cameras that provide long-range reconnaissance and surveillance at all hours of the day, with a combination of sensor and warhead that allows for precision targeting. The drone can also have modular payloads attached for specific missions with lethal effects designed for various target types.
The drone has a 30-minute flight time, can reach burst speeds of over 113 kph, and has a range of more than 10 km. An innovative feature is the advanced fuzing system that makes it recoverable should it disengage or the mission be aborted.
The system can be operated using a remote control, and performs beyond the range and capabilities of existing organic weapon systems while minimizing collateral damage and maximizing standoff. Teledyne also claims it can operate in GPS-denied battlespaces.
Dr. JihFen Lei, executive vice president and general manager of Teledyne FLIR Defense, stated in a press release: “The new Rogue 1 gives warfighters the versatility, survivability, and lethality demanded by the modern battlespace… With its unique ability to be recovered and reused when targeting conditions change, this innovative platform also offers military forces greater economy and flexibility.”
“Rogue 1 leverages our decades of expertise developing combat-proven drone technology and complements our global UAS portfolio – from the Black Hornet nano-drone to our SkyRaider and SkyRanger quadcopters to our StormCaster sensor and targeting payload,” Lei further explained, adding that customers and potential users “have been awe-struck by Rogue 1’s performance, and we’re confident it will deliver a meaningful edge to troops on the frontlines.”
The company already has high-profile purchases for its Rogue 1 system, including the U.S. Marine Corps, to whom the company agreed to provide an initial order of 127 systems in the coming summer.
