Stealthy South African UAV Makes Small Showing at Paris

Denel has developed and is showing at Paris a stealth unmanned reconnaissance aircraft the company plans to fully develop in conjunction with international partners.

The Seraph is at Le Bourget as a one-third-scale model. The high subsonic speed system has been treated for both reduced radar and infrared cross section. The aircraft would fly at about 40,000 feet and be equipped with a synthetic aperture radar for all-weather target imaging.

Seraph is basically a highly survivable version of the Skua reconnaissance system Denel already builds. The stealth version is being developed under the South African Air Force's High-speed Reconnaissance Drone technology demonstration program. However, the SAAF isn't expected to buy the system, and instead will try to incorporate the RCS-reducing technology into some of its manned aircraft.

Seraph relies on both a low observable shape and advanced materials to avoid detection by radar. The vehicle will measure about six meters in length with a 3.2-meter wingspan. Maximum payload capability is expected to be about 160 kg.

Denel has tested a full-scale model in wind tunnels and determined that the aircraft should be able to meet its performance target, which is to match the Skua target drone's capability. The two unmanned systems use largely the same components, with the exception of the outer mold line. Both are powered by a single Microturbo engine. The internally hidden engine has a single inlet on top of the UAVs fuselage to shield it from ground-based radars.

Before Denel can take the program into further development to start flight testing and eventually production, the company is trying to find an international partner. Talks are on-going with three potential team-members. A decision is slated for later this year.

The UAV is launched using a booster and lands via a parachute. Denel officials believe the impact on landing is small enough to avoid damaging the stealthy shape.

Initially, Denel would record the data collected by the reconnaissance payload, although an operational system would likely feature satellite communications to allow beyond-line-of-sight transmission of real-time intelligence.