Saker-1B (drone)

Main article: Unmanned aerial vehicle (drone, UAV)

2020: Saudi Arabia buys drones capable of being in the air for 24 hours

In March 2020, it became known about the purchase by Saudi Arabia of unmanned aerial vehicles capable of being in the air for 24 hours. This is a Saker-1B model developed by the American company Uavos in conjunction with the Saudi King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).

The UAV has a maximum take-off weight of 1.1 tons and a wingspan of 16 meters. Such dimensions are due to the fact that the Saker-1B was initially "sharpened" precisely for long-term patrols in the conditions of, let's say, the not too affectionate climate of the Middle East, high temperatures and the effects of sand and dust storms characteristic of deserts. The flight time reaches 24 hours without refueling.

Saudi Arabia's purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles capable of being in the air for 24 hours

In total, during the flight test program, the Saker-1B flew a total of one thousand hours. Among other things, experts checked the device for the duration of the flight, which during the tests was 19 hours.

By early March 2020, the drone has passed all the necessary tests and is preparing for serial production for adoption. The device was tested in a fully autonomous mode, in which the device performed automatic takeoff, flight along a given route with shooting the terrain and landing. Tests are recognized as successful.

The most likely area of ​ ​ use of the new UAV is the protection of oil fields, as well as transportation routes for "black gold," which make up the main national treasure of Saudi Arabia.

In addition to Saker-1B, Uavos plans to begin deliveries of a light two-seater Robinson R-22 helicopter capable of turning into a cargo drone. The new device is designed both for delivery of goods and for use in search and rescue and humanitarian operations.

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