South Africa offers an armed UAS

South Africa offers an armed UAS

Denel Seeker 400

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Denel Seeker 400
Denel Seeker 400

South African company Denel has cleared its Seeker-400 UAS (unmanned aerial system) for imminent production this year. The system is being offered in two configurations. One is ‘clean’ Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mode. The other configuration features armed reconnaissance version. The latter’s designation is ’Snyper’. This, according to a report in Janes, quoting Sello Ntsihlele, Denel Dynamics’ UAVs general manager.

“Our latest trials involved the full gamut of performance tests, including range and altitude, safety, endurance and functional payload,” he stated. “This brought us to the baseline as specified by the client, allowing us to head for production.”

It appears that sensitivities about armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have prompted the South African Air Force (SAAF) to retain the Seeker 400 designation for a pure surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. Seeker 400 is the latest and most advanced of Denel Dynamics’ UAV portfolio, with an operating altitude of 18,000 ft, 16 hours’ endurance and a cruising speed of 150 km/h.
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With a payload capacity of 100 kg, it can carry dual payloads comprising synthetic aperture radar, optronics turret and digital video system for different tactical missions.

Seeker 400 builds on the heritage of the smaller Seeker 200, derived from the Seeker II, which had significant export success. Both versions were on display at the IDEX fair this year, which took place at UAE.

“By aligning the design with international specifications for an armed surveillance UAV, we can offer Snyper with four Impi-S missiles,” Ntsihlele explained. “That still allows for a 40 kg payload, typically the Goshawk II HD from Airbus DS Optronics, although we are still optimizing Snyper’s structure.”

The Impi-S is derived from the proven Denel Dynamics short-range (5,000 m) Ingwe and long-range (10,000m) Mokopa anti-armor missiles.

According to Ntsihlele, potential international clients have indicated a preference for the existing Denel Dynamics forward tactical ground station. This, despite a smaller ground station being available for ease of transport. Typically, the tactical ground station more than doubles the line-of- sight range of the aircraft – up to 750 km in the case of Seeker 400.