Blue Horizon

Looking like the result of a dalliance between an F-117 and a Rutan LongEze, Singapore Technologies' Blue Horizon tactical UAV is on show here for the first time. ST has built three of the vehicles, Show News learned, and the UAV is operational "somewhere, but not here."

The "stealth" features of the design as shown here-canted body sides and fins, and a pointed nose-may be cosmetic: the landing gear, propeller shroud and the Israeli-developed POP electro-optical payload have a more than adequate radar cross-section to negate any reduction in the return from the body. However, alternative configurations include a catapult-launched, parachute-recovered version with a retraction mechanism for the sensor ball.

More significant is the UAV's performance: with its canard configuration and high-aspect-ratio wing, it has a claimed 16-hour endurance, an excellent performance for a 330-lb vehicle.