He Ministry of Defense of the United Arab Emirates entered The Edge Group delivery of 100 drones Reach-S into the country’s armed forces. For the defense and technology conglomerate, this order was announced during Dubai Airshow 2023is extremely important as it is the first of its kind for domestic fixed-wing drones.
It performs UAS development based on end-user requirements Advanced concepts, a business unit within Edge, specializing in the design of innovative technologies. To speed up the process of delivering hundreds of units, Adasithe group’s autonomous systems division, will act as an intermediary for the contract and will directly oversee the production of the aircraft.
Emirati reconnaissance and attack equipment
The Reach-S is a mid-altitude, long-endurance fixed-wing drone (MALE for its acronym in English), designed to conduct surveillance missions and precision ground attacks. It features a fully autonomous flight system, capable of automatic take-offs and landings; as well as its high resistance to malfunctions and interference, thanks to a communication system with a range of 200 kilometers.
The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) 640 kilograms, a wingspan of 12 meters and a length of 5.5 meters. Powered by a 110-horsepower internal combustion engine, it can carry a load weighing 120 kilograms, at a maximum speed of 200 kilometers per hour, and can stay in the air for up to 24 hours.
Improving the capabilities of the armed forces
The drone will provide the UAE Armed Forces with a cost-effective Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability in border protection missions and long-range operations, enhancing the value of the supply contract.
For CEO Adasi, Yuma TO Kaaba“This order demonstrates the company’s expertise in the aerospace sector and continued investment in autonomous systems that meet the requirements of the UAE Armed Forces. The collaboration with Advanced Concepts to deliver this solution is also an example of how the synergies between entities in the Edge Group lead to optimized benefits.” for the end user.”