At the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition, Milkor, a prominent South African defence company, made waves in the aviation sector by showcasing its flagship product, the Milkor 380. The Milkor 380 is the largest medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) produced in Africa, positioning Milkor as a key player in global UAV development.
Designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as precision strikes, the Milkor 380 boasts impressive capabilities. It can operate continuously for up to 30 hours with a maximum range exceeding 4,000 kilometers, surpassing several renowned UAV systems in terms of endurance. The UAV features advanced optical systems, including high-definition, infrared, and multispectral imaging, which provide real-time situational awareness crucial for military and security operations.
The Milkor 380 is equipped with five hardpoints, allowing it to carry various payloads such as sensor pods, glide bombs, and electronic warfare systems. Additionally, it integrates cutting-edge technologies like Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR), making it suitable for extended maritime surveillance operations.
One of the standout features of the Milkor 380 is its ability to conduct autonomous flight operations, including take-off, flight, and landing, with minimal human intervention. This capability is supported by a dual redundant Line of Sight (LOS) and satellite communication systems, ensuring seamless integration with existing Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) frameworks.
Milkor’s Cape Town production facility has ramped up capacity to meet growing demand, with plans to increase annual output from eight to sixteen units by 2026. This reflects the growing interest in the Milkor 380, both in Africa and internationally.
With a service ceiling of 30,000 feet, speeds of up to 250 km/h, and a payload capacity of 400 kg, the Milkor 380 is well-suited for a range of military applications, including the Aeroforce 380, designed specifically for maritime surveillance. Its modular design and adaptability to various mission profiles make it a versatile asset for modern defence forces.
Milkor’s participation at AAD 2024 has solidified its role as a leader in UAV technology, showcasing how African defence manufacturers are contributing to global innovation in aerospace.
Photo Credit: Tiaan Van Niekerk for ©Worldairnews
