“The Milkor 380 has reached a stage where it is ready to be deployed for operations to enhance aerial surveillance capabilities,” says Ghaazim Rylands, CEO of Milkor Integrated Systems in Cape Town.
At the Paris Air Show 2023, Aerodata and Milkor solidified their commitment to cooperation with a Memorandum of Understanding resulting in the AeroForce 380 being officially launched during the ILA Berlin Air Show 2024, which ran from 5 to 9 June.
This Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV, tailored specifically for maritime surveillance and coast guard missions, is capable of reaching a service ceiling of 30 000 feet, with enhancements to the design made to effectively operate in the low altitude segment (below 10 000 feet) ideally suited for maritime surveillance operations.
Higher payload
Additionally, the UAV boasts an endurance of up to 35 hours, ensuring extended mission coverage and increased operational efficiency. Payload is up to 250kg, with sensors including AIS, side-looking airborne radar, and electro-optical/infrared gimbals.
“With a maximum take-off weight of 1 300kg and the capability to carry mission-specific payloads, the AeroForce 380 has the potential to revolutionise surveillance aircraft fleets worldwide,” says an Aerodata spokesperson.
Multiple entities
Harry Cassidy, Milkor’s head of Business Development in Europe, highlights the importance of this partnership. “The Milkor 380 has garnered substantial interest from multiple entities looking to enhance their aerial surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.”
Milkor expects to deliver several units of the 380’s within the next 12 months to undisclosed clients with manufacturing well underway of six units to be completed by the end of 2024.
