GIDS Shahpar
| GIDS Shahpar | |
|---|---|
| Role | Reconnaissance |
| Manufacturer | Global industrial defence solutions |
| Introduction | 2012 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | Pakistan Air Force Pakistan Army, Royal Saudi Airforce |
| Number built | 10 (as of 2012, production ongoing) |
|
| |
The GIDS Shahpar is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) built by Global industrial defence solutions of Pakistan and used by the Pakistani military. It is currently in production following the completion of a test and qualification phase.[1]
According to an engineer of AERO (Advanced Engineering Research Organisation), one of the seven companies forming the GIDS consortium, the only parts of the Shahpar aircraft system not produced in Pakistan are the Rotax 912 engine and the tyres. The sensor suite, a multi-sensor turret designated "Zumr-1 (EP)", is built at an AERO facility near Islamabad. The design features a pusher engine with canard foreplanes in front of the wings.[2]
The Shahpar is designed to autonomously take off and land on a runway or land with a parachute. Payloads are available for reconnaissance and day/night surveillance. Targets on the ground can be geo-referenced and geo-pointed by the avionics. The military standard hardware is built to Environmental Standard 810F. Ground equipment is capable of mission planning and simulation; mission management and control as well as debriefing of ground crew.[3]
The Shahpar has been operational since 2012 when two flights entered service with the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Army. Each flight is made up of five aircraft, a communications station and a ground control station.[2]
Specifications
General characteristics
- Crew: 0 aircrew
- Length: 4.2 m (13.8 ft)
- Wingspan: 6.6 m (22 ft)
- Height: ()
- Loaded weight: 480 kg (1060 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 912, 100 hp (74.6 kW)
Performance
- Cruise speed: 150 kph (93 mph, 81 knots)
- Endurance: >7 hours
- Service ceiling: 5,000 m (17,000 ft)
Avionics
- Zumr-I (EP) multi-sensor turret
- Autonomous GPS-based tracking and control system
- Real-time data link (range 250 km)
See also
- Related lists
References
- 1 2 Donald, David (21 Feb 2013). "UAVs from Pakistan". IDEX 2013 News. Jane's IHS. Retrieved 5 March 2013.
- 1 2 3 CAVAS, CHRISTOPHER P. (19 Feb 2013). "IDEX: Explosion of UAVs at Exhibit". Defense News. Retrieved 5 March 2013.
- 1 2 "SHAHPAR UAV System". Official GIDS website. Global Industrial Defence Solutions (GIDS). Retrieved 16 March 2013.