The Aarok combat drone, which is not afraid of Russian air defense systems, is presented
The French defense industry has secretly developed the Aarok UAV, which is not afraid of Russian air defense systems. According to The Drive, the drone was designed by engineers from a little-known defense manufacturer, Turgis & Gaillard.
Aarok was originally designed for medium-altitude flights. It can be used for relaying communications and for strikes. The aircraft will take to the skies for the first time this year. As for the commissioning, it is scheduled for 2025.
The wingspan of the drone is 22 meters. Compared to the MQ-9A Reaper, the fuselage of the French drone looks bulky. This is not surprising, as Reaper weighs 2.2 tons, while Aarok weighs 2.5 tons. The takeoff weight of the vehicle is 5.4 tons. Thus, it can carry a payload of 2.7 tons, including 1.5 tons of various weapons.
The UAV is equipped with a Canada PT6 turboprop engine manufactured by Pratt & Whitney. Its power is 1,200 k. с. In the future, Turgis & Gaillard engineers intend to install a more modern GE Aviation Catalyst engine.
For strike missions, the drone can carry HAMMER bombs. For intelligence gathering, it can carry a multi-mode radar, a large camera, EW equipment and optronic sensors. According to Patrick Gaillard, HAMMER bombs are capable of hitting targets from a distance of 35 km. In this regard, the Russian Pantsir-S1 system poses no danger to Aarok.
