NCSIST adds new single-rotor drone to expanding arsenal of military UAVs

NCSIST adds new single-rotor drone to expanding arsenal of military UAVs

2022-11-15

Defense contractor the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology on Tuesday demonstrated its drone arsenal, which has just been expanded. The institute has developed a single-rotor drone that is ideal for the needs of urban and coastal surveillance. The new drone adds to an arsenal that already includes mid-range marine-reconnaissance and long-range satellite-guided drones, giving the military more tools to meet its needs. The institute said it has also trained 100 drone pilots across all branches of the military.

This single-rotor drone will mainly be used for reconnaissance in urban areas and along beaches. Its guidance system has a range of 30 kilometers, and it can stay in flight for one hour at a time.

Then there’s this fixed-wing drone, the Teng Yun also from the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology. It uses satellite guidance, can reach mid to high altitudes, and remain airborne for 20 hours. It can take off and land on its own, making it useful for monitoring enemy movements.

Another drone designed by the institute is the Albatross, also known as the Chung Xiang II, which was first put to use in August when China’s PLA conducted drills all around Taiwan Island. The Albatross’ primary purpose is surveillance missions over the sea, and it has a guidance range of 150 kilometers, and a maximum flight time of 12 hours. Officials say the drone is ideal for search-and-rescue missions on the open waters.

Chi Li-ping
NCSIST
Ever since we developed the Albatross we have been training drone pilots for all branches of military. So far we have trained roughly 100 pilots, and they have all passed the Civil Aeronautics Administration’s test.

With many people concerned over Chinese investments in Taiwanese companies, as well as the use of China-made components in Taiwanese tech, the institute said it strictly filters manufacturing partners.

Chi Li-ping
NCSIST
Manufacturers we work with undergo strict background checks, to ensure they haven’t received funding from China, and don’t do business with China. In the bidding process for these manufacturing jobs, there is always some confidentiality involved.

With tensions in the Taiwan Strait high, the institute is putting its full effort into ensuring the military has all of the tools it needs to defend the country. With drones becoming increasingly important to modern warfare, Taiwan is set to develop the latest in drone technology.