Top 10 UAV's 2015

1. SHADOW HAWK

Manufacturer : Vanguard Defense Industries
Country : USA

The ShadowHawk® can fly day-after-day, night-after-night, in adverse weather conditions, for up to 3 hours at a time, on an accurate flight path, under computer control. The ShadowHawk® can be airborne within minutes of mission authorization.

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2. MQ 1 PREDATOR

Manufacturer : General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Country: USA

The General Atomics MQ-1 Predator is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) built by General Atomics and used primarily by the United States Air Force (USAF) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Initially conceived in the early 1990s for reconnaissance and forward observation roles, the Predator carries cameras and other sensors but has been modified and upgraded to carry and fire two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles or other munitions. The aircraft, in use since 1995, has seen combat over Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bosnia, Serbia, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, and Somalia.

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3. ASN 209 SILVER EAGLE

Manufacturer : ASN Technology Group

Country: China

The ASN-209 UAV System (also known as the “Silver Eagle”) is a multi-purpose UAV product developed by ASN Technology Group and designed for Medium Altitude Medium Endurance (MAME) tactical missions. Via data link and ground control subsystem, the ASN-209 UAV can perform aerial reconnaissance, battle field surveys, target location, destruction validation and artillery fire adjustment in day and night in real time. The ASN-209 UAV System consists of aircraft, airborne mission payload, GCS and launch and recovery equipment.

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4. RQ 170 SENTINEL

Manufacturer : Lockheed Martin

Country: USA

The RQ-170 Sentinel nicknamed “Wraith”, is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Lockheed Martin and operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) for the Central Intelligence Agency. While the USAF has released few details on the UAV’s design or capabilities, defense analysts believe that it is a stealth aircraft fitted with reconnaissance equipment.

RQ-170s have been reported as having operated in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. It has been confirmed that the UAVs have operated over Pakistan and Iran; operations over Pakistan included sorties which collected intelligence before and during the operation which led to the death of Osama bin Laden in May 2011.

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5. RQ-7 Shadow

Manufacturer : AAI Corporation

Country: USA

The RQ-7 Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is used by the United States Army, Marine Corps, Australian Army and Swedish Army for reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and battle damage assessment. Launched from a trailer-mounted pneumatic catapult, it is recovered with the aid of arresting gear similar to jets on an aircraft carrier. Its gimbal-mounted, digitally-stabilized, liquid nitrogen-cooled electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera relays video in real time via a C-band line-of-sight data link to the ground control station (GCS).

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6. RQ 11 Raven

Manufacturer : AeroVironment

Country: USA

The AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven is a small hand-launched remote-controlled unmanned aerial vehicle (or SUAV) developed for the U.S. military, but now adopted by the military forces of many other countries.

The RQ-11 Raven was originally introduced as the FQM-151 in 1999, but in 2002 developed into its current form, resembling an enlarged FAI class F1C free flight model aircraft in general appearance. The craft is launched by hand and powered by a pusher configuration electric motor. The plane can fly up to 6.2 miles (10.0 km) at altitudes of appx 500 feet (150 m) above ground level (AGL), and over 15,000 feet (4,600 m) above mean sea level (MSL), at flying speeds of 28-60 mph (45–97 km/h).

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7. nEUROn

Manufacturer : Dassault

Country: France

The Dassault nEUROn is an experimental Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) being developed with international cooperation, led by the French company Dassault Aviation. This delta wing stealth UCAV project is the final phase of the Dassault LOGIDUC 3-step stealth “combat drone” programme. Until June 2005 it had the form of the original Dassault developed Grand Duc vehicle: supersonic two-engined long-range unmanned bomber, capable of performing attacks with nuclear weapons.

Under the pressure of the international cooperation, especially from Sweden and Saab, it was transformed into a demonstrator of smaller single-engine technology. So it is now optimised for the testing of various technologies for the future UAVs and UCAVs, and will not enter serial production. It will only clear the way for a commercial product, that will use the technologies developed thanks to the nEUROn program. The full scale replica of the current configuration was unveiled at the Paris Air Show 2005.

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8. Taranis

Manufacturer : BAE Systems

Country: UK

The BAE Systems Taranis is a British demonstrator program for Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) technology, being developed primarily by the defence contractor BAE Systems. A semi-autonomous unmanned warplane, it is designed to fly intercontinental missions, and will carry a variety of weapons, enabling it to attack both aerial and ground targets. It will utilise stealth technology, giving it a low radar profile, and it will be controllable via satellite link from anywhere on Earth. The Strategic Unmanned Air Vehicles (Experiment) Integrated Project Team, or SUAV(E) IPT, is responsible for auditing and overseeing the project.The aircraft, which is intended to demonstrate the viability of unmanned multi-role systems, is named after the Celtic god of thunder, Taranis. It is planned to conduct its first flight in 2013.

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9. KAI Devil Killer

Manufacturer : Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)

Country : South Korea

KAI refer to this unmanned craft as a “suicide combat unmanned air vehicle”. The purpose of the vehicle is to travel long range to a target area, loiter until commanded by the operator and then fly into the designated target and detonate. Same sort of idea as the Switchblade. Devil Killer is launched from a canister before deploying popout wings and tail surfaces. Two electric ducted fan motors either side of the rear body power the vehicle.

Devil Killer can be programmed for automatic strikes or manual control and if it can’t acquire its primary target, it can be redirected to another mission. It is expected to be deployed by 2016.

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10. Switchblade

Manufacturer : AeroVironment

Country : USA

The Switchblade is an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by AeroVironment. It is designed as a “kamikaze,” being able to crash into its target with an explosive warhead to destroy it. The Switchblade is small enough to be carried in a backpack and can be launched from a variety of ground and air platforms.

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INDIA'S MIGHTY - Surprise Package

I am a subscriber to Auto India Magazine published by the renowned Business India Group. In the February 2014 issue, I was pleasantly surprised to notice an article "India's Mighty" dedicated entirely on the Indian Army's Wheeled, Tracked and Submersible vehicles. The article was absorbing and very unique in its content since it was published in a magazine solely dedicated to cars & bikes. Frankly I am not embarrassed to say that I wasn't even aware of the existence of some vehicles in the list. Please note that the article focuses entirely on the carrier vehicle rather than the weapon systems they are carrying.

Auto India is one of the oldest magazine of its kind in India, it is a cute little magazine which periodically publishes very interesting articles such as this along with its regular features, it is also the cheapest magazine among the heap published in our country (just ₹ 50/-). Unfortunately, they don't maintain an online portal, hence I am posting this for the benefit of those who follow Indian defense activities. I have taken the liberty to tweak some information & images for your benefit however, I have endeavored to maintain the general pith and the graphical layout as in the original article.

Those who are interested can subscribe the magazine here: Auto India | (Article Credit: Adreesh Ghoshal, Auto India, Feb 2014)

TANKS

The Arjun MBT is developed by DRDO and built by Central Vehicle Research and Design Establishment (CVRDE) at the Heavy Vehicles Factory at Avadi. It weighs 59 tons, and powered by a 1400bhp MTU Ka 401 turbo charged diesel engine. The Arjun has a range of 450 Km and a 120mm rifled gun. It is protected by the indigenously developed Kanchan Class explosive reactive armour, and has a top speed of 72 Kph. It can fire APFSDS, LAHAT, HE, HEAT and HESH rounds. Additionally, it is armed with a 12.7mm AA machine gun and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

This Ajeya is another example of technological co-operation between India and the erstwhile USSR. The Ajeya is based on the T72M, and is armed with a new 125mm 2A46M gun. The Ajeya MKII features upgraded Polish SKO-1T DRAWA-T fire control systems and thermal imagers, laser illumination warning system, DRDO Explosive Reactive Armour, a new GPS system, improved crew protection, a new 1000bhp PZL-WOLA engine and banks of 6 smoke grenade-launchers on each side. The plan is to reequip 1,500 Ajeya's MKII with updated technology.

The T72 was perhaps the world's most advanced battle tank design when introduced in the 70’s. The T72 is extremely lightweight, at 41 tonnes, and very small compared to Western MBTs. The army used the T72 tank to ravaging effect in the 1971 war. A 780bhp V12 diesel engine powers it. It is armed with a 125mm smoothbore main gun capable of firing anti-tank guided missiles, as well as standard ammunition, including HEAT and APFSDS rounds, a 7.62mm machine gun and a 12.7mm anti-aircraft gun. It has a range of 460 km and a top speed of 60 Kph.	The Bhishma is the Indian version of the T90. A 1000bhp Chelyabinsk diesel engine powers it. Standard protective measures include a blend of steel, composite armour, smoke mortars, Kontakt-5 explosive-reactive armour, & laser warning receivers, Nakidka camouflage and Shtora infrared ATGM jamming system. Weighing 52-tons, it is armed with a 125mm smoothbore gun that can also fire ATGMs. The auxiliary armament consists of a 12.7mm Kord HMG and a 7.62mm pintle mounted machine gun. India operates 2011 T90 and Bhishma tanks.
	ARTILLERY
The Tank-EX is a technology demonstrator that has been designed and built wholly by DRDO and CVRDE. It weighs 53 tons, and features top-secret composite armour technology. It is armed with the Arjun’s 120mm main gun, a LAHAT anti-tank guided missile tube, a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun, and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. It has the same 1000bhp diesel engine that is used on the T72M. It has a max speed of 60kph and max range of 480Km.	The Carrier Mortar Tracked self-propelled system is based on the Sarath with also has amphibious capabilities. It has an 81mm mortar mounted on a modified troop compartment and carries totally 108 mortar rounds. It is powered by a 300bhp engine, has a maximum speed of 65kph on road, 7Kph submerged and max range of 240Km. It can be operated by all mechanized infantry battalions providing instantaneous fire support, and also provide protection to the crew.
The Bhim self-propelled howitzer and is designed as a purpose built self-propelled artillery vehicle. Weighing 60 tons, it has a firing range of 52Km. It has a 14.5mm welded steel armour, and is armed with a Denel 155mm L52GS howitzer. It can carry 50 rounds and is powered by a 1400bhp Ka-501 engine that gives it a top speed of 60Kph and a max range of 450Km. It has a fully automatic ammunition loading system, as well as a turret-mounted auxiliary power unit.	The Pinaka is a Multiple Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) artillery system. Each launcher consists of 12 rockets and can be operated in manual, automatic tergetting or remote controlled mode. The rockets have a range of 60Km. Pinaka saw service during the Kargil War, where it was successful in neutralizing enemy positions on the mountain tops. The launcher is mounted on a Tatra Kolos truck, it has a maximum combat range of 120Km and a maximum speed of 80Kph.
	INFANTRY COMBAT VEHICLES/APC
The BM-30 Smerch (Russian for Tornado) is the precursor to Pinaka MBRL. It entered service in the Soviet Army in 1989. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, a number of these MBRL’s were sold to India. A 525bhp 12-cylinder diesel engine powers it, due to which it has a top speed of 60Kph and a maximum range of 850Km. The 300mm rockets have a range of 90Km.	The Sarath (Chariot of Victory) is a second-generation, amphibious infantry-fighting vehicle and Armoured Personnel Carrier developed and manufactured by the Ordinance Factory, Medak. A 300bhp UTD3 diesel engine powers the vehicle. It is armed with a 300mm canon and a Konkurs anti-tank guided missile. It has a maximum speed of 65kph on road and 7Kph submerged.
The Abhay Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) developed by DRDO and CVRDE weighs 23 tons and is manned by a crew of 3, and can carry 7 fully armed soldiers. It is armed with a 40mm Bofors automatic cannon, a 30mm automatic grenade launcher, a 7.62mm machine gun, and two anti-tank guided missile tubes. The Abhay is powered by a Greaves-Cotton TD2V8 diesel engine. It has a combat range of 400Km and maximum speed of 70Kph on road and 35Kph off-road.	The Cassapir has been specifically designed for anti-mine operations  as well as protection from small arms fire. It can absorb explosive energy equivalent of up to 100kg of TNT. It weighs 10.80 tons, and is powered by a 166bhp Atlantis OM352A turbo charged diesel engine. This 4X4 armoured personnel carrier has an operational range of 770Km, and is armed with three 7.62mm machine guns or a 20mm cannon. It can carry 14 soldiers.
The BMD-2 is an airborne infantry fighting vehicle, meaning it can be airdropped along with paratroopers. A 241bhp 5D-20 1598cc 5-cylinder diesel engine powers it. It is armed with a 30mm 2A42 multipurpose auto cannon, a anti tank guided missile tube and twin 7.62mm machine guns. It has a range of 450Km and can travel at 80Kph on road and 10Kph submerged.	This British built FV432 is one of the lightest and fastest Armoured Personnel Carrier in the Indian Army. It is an all-steel construction and weighs 15 tons and powered by a 240bhp Rolls-Royce K60 multi-fuel engine. The FV432 has a maximum speed of 52Kph and a maximum range of 580Km. It is powered by a 12.7mm machine gun and a 7.62 light machine gun (LMG).
The DRDO LAWV (Light Armoured Wheeled Vehicle) is a lightweight 4X4 armoured combat vehicle that is based on the Canadian LAVIII and the Swiss Piranha III 8X8. It has a 160bhp diesel engine thst gives it a top speed of 84Kph and a maximum range of 500Km. Its main weapon is the 7.62mm light machine gun (LMG).	The T62 Topas is jointly built by the former Czechoslovakia and Poland, the TOPAS is a tracked amphibious armoured personnel carrier. It is powered by a 300bhp 6-cylinder PV-6 diesel engine. It has a top speed of 60Kph on road and 10.8Kph submerged. It is armed with a 12.7mm machine gun, grenade launchers and a 7.62mm LMG.
The SKOT is an upgraded version of the TOPAS. It is powered by a 180bhp Tatra diesel V8 that gives it a top speed of 96Kph and a range of 710Km. It is armed with a 14.5mm PKV machine gun and 7.62 PKT machine gun. It can carry up to 18 Soldiers.	The BTR 152 was the first Soviet armoured vehicle produced specifically for export after World War II. It is powered by 110bhp petrol engine, has a top speed of 75Kph and a maximum range of 650 Km, and armed with twin 7.6 mm machine gun.
	SUPPORT VEHICLES
The SISU NASU (tracked piglet in Finnish), is a tracked articulated, all-terrain transport vehicle. It has a driver cab and a separate cargo wagon, similar to the ones used in a train. It is powered by a 152bhp 6.2 litre GM V8. It consists of 2 units, with all four tracks powered and it can carry up to 17 people.	The Akash Surface to Air Missile (SAM) is one of the most sophisticated missiles in the world. The entire radar and targeting systems is mounted on a T72 chassis. The Launcher can also be detached and towed by a Ashok Leyland Stallion truck, in case the T72 breaks down.
The NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) is a tank destroyer built on a Sarath chassis. The NAMICA weighs 14.5 tons and can carry 14 missiles. The Nag missile is slated to replace all foreign anti-tank missiles in the Army. It can travel at up to 50Kph on road and 7Kph submerged.	The BT55/MT55KS is a Soviet built T55 tank that has been adapted to lay bridges over difficult terrain. The bridge system is controlled hydraulically and has a maximum load of 60 tons. The BT55 is powered by a 600bhp V12 diesel engine, has a maximum range of 580Km and can travel at 50Kph.
The AERV (Armoured Engineer Reconnaissance Vehicle), is based on the T55 and the Vijyanta tanks. It was designed by DRDO and is manufactured by Ordinance Factory Medak. The AERV is used for spotting suitable locations to set up artillery posts, base camps and bridges.	The FV180 Combat Engineering Tractor is a British built amphibious vehicle use, used for towing tanks, artillery and constructin work. It weighs 17 tons, and is powered by a 320bhp Rolls-Royce C6TFR engine. It has a range of 480Km and a maximum speed of 55Kph on road and 15Kph submerged.
The WZT is an armoured recovery vehicle based on the T72M. The WZT-3M has a 850 hp PZL-Wola S12U 4-cylinder 38.9 litre diesel from PT-91 that gives it a maximum range of 450Km and a maximum speed of 60Kph. India operates 556 WZT2 -3 vehicles and are now being licence-produced by BEML.	DRDO worked on the Sarath IFV chassis to create the Armoured Ambulance vehicle. It has an inbuilt electrocardiogram unit (ECG), a ventilator, a suction unit, a direct current refrigerator to store medicines and drugs and a high capacity heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
The Hydrema (“Mine Munching Monster") consists of a flail that rotates at high speed in order to deflect mines. The blast force is deflected outwards by means of a thick metal deflector plate. It is powered by a 6-litre V6 diesel engine that is rated at 185bhp. It has a maximum speed of 42Kph. It has foam filled tires to protect them from fragmentation.	The Polish built multiple axle transport vehicle Kolos is one of the most important vehicles in the Indian Army. The 1764cc V12 diesel engine is rated at 266bhp and is multi-fuel capable. The chassis can be adapted to fit 6 or 8 wheel drive, depending on the requirements. It is used as a transporter-erector-launcher for the Agni, Prithvi, Prahaar and Brahmos missiles.

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