South Africa launches new combat Drone Milkor 380 (UCAV)

South Africa successfully performs first flight of Milker 380 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle UV. In a momentous achievement for the African aerospace sector, South Africa's prominent defense conglomerate, Milker, has achieved the triumphant maiden flight of its Milker 380 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, UV, in September 2023. This milestone signifies a substantial advancement in the creation of Africa's largest armed UV, firmly positioning South Africa within a distinguished cohort of nations that have effectively designed and piloted a UEV of such magnitude. Boasting an impressive 18.6-meter wingspan and a maximum takeoff weight of 1,300 kilograms, the Milker 380 is poised to revolutionize the arena of unmanned aerial warfare. The Milker 380, unveiled in 2018, has been in development for several years, with taxi testing initiated earlier this year. Flight trials and sensor integration will continue throughout 2023, underscoring Milker's commitment to delivering a state-of-the-art UV designed for Long Endurance Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance ISTER operations. What sets this platform apart is its ability to carry an external payload of 210 kilograms, including a range of weapons and sensors. The Milker 380 has been revealed with a remarkable arsenal, featuring the Al-Tariq X-Series precision-guided munitions, Alcone Desert Sting DS, 16 guided bombs, FC-602 laser-guided rocket launchers and L-3 Harris Gimbal, and Airborne Technologies' self-contained aerial reconnaissance SCAR plot. This adaptability establishes it as a formidable asset suitable for a diverse spectrum of missions and operational needs. The first five units of the Milker 380 are earmarked for domestic use, with the inaugural aircraft produced at Milker's expansive 10,000 square meter manufacturing facility in Cape Town. These units are currently undergoing rigorous testing and evaluation exclusively by the South African Air Force. This project originated from a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between Milker, ARMSCOR and the South African Air Force during the Africa Aerospace and Defense AAD Expo held in September of the previous year. The launch of the Milker 380 coincides with the period where unmanned aerial vehicles, UVs, have evolved into a crucial component of contemporary warfare. In the past 20 years, military drones have predominantly found their use in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, ISR, operations, as well as in carrying out precise airstrikes. However, the Milker 380, with its remarkable capabilities and adaptability, ushers in a new era of drone technology that can fulfill a wide range of operational requirements. Milker has proven itself as a dominant player in the unmanned aerospace sector, with the Milker 380 being the latest addition to their impressive lineup. The platform has been meticulously developed to cater to the demands of the modern battlefield, positioning it as a guardian in the sky during complex operations. The aircraft features five hardpoints for interchangeable user-specific systems, with the flexibility to accommodate larger systems when needed. Its internally designed avionics enhance aircraft stability, maneuverability and ease of use for operators. This UV has a maximum endurance of 35 hours and a maximum takeoff weight, MTOW, of 1,300 kilograms. The Milker 380 is included in the Medium Altitude Long Endurance, male, UV category. With an external payload capacity of 210 kilograms, it offers the flexibility to deploy a diverse array of weaponry and equipment, encompassing synthetic aperture radar, jammers, electro-optical gimbals and more. Notably, all avionics, communication systems and payload integration capabilities have been internally developed, underscoring Milker's unwavering commitment to delivering a state-of-the-art solution. One noteworthy achievement by Milker is the development of its line-of-sight LOS communication system, which employs a relayed line-of-sight, or LOS, communication network, significantly extending its operational range. Additionally, the platform also offers optional satellite communications, SATCOM, further enhancing its operational reach. In light of recent global conflicts, unmanned aerial vehicles, UVs, have become indispensable in contemporary warfare, and the Milker 380 is poised to address the current void in the unmanned aerospace industry. Milker's commitment to data control, system flexibility, maintenance, support and operational scalability renders the Milker 380 platform an enticing choice for operators.