DTI Thailand has Progressed in R&D of DP20 UAS for the Royal Thai Army

07 Maret 2023

Thailand's Defense Technology Institute (DTI) was inspected Research and Development (R&D) prototype of Thai firm Aero Technology Industry Company Limited (ATIL)'s DP20 Medium Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for Royal Thai Army (RTA) during trial phase at Army Aviation Center (AAC) in Lopburi Province on 28 February 2023 (all photos : DTI)

Defense Technology Institute (DTI) has made progress on joint research and development of a medium-sized unmanned aircraft system DP20 UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) for the Royal Thai Army (RTA).

DTI Thailand has published pictures and information of the visit and follow-up on the progress of the project at the Army Aviation Center (AAC) in Lop Buri Province on February 28, 2023 through their online social media.

A set of images published by DTI Thailand show a prototype of one DP20 UAV that has been completed and is ready to fly. And pictures inside the Ground Control Station (GCS), which looks modern.

Previously, on February 27, 2023, the website flightradar24.com shows information about an aircraft known as "ATIL01" flying at a speed of about 50 knots at an altitude of about 5,000 feet, taking off and landing at Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi Province, but it's unclear if there's a link.

Aero Technology Industry Company Limited (ATIL), Thailand, a joint venture between Beihang UAS Technology, China and DTI Thailand, and PYN INTERNATIONAL Thailand has released a life-size model (mockup) of its unmanned aerial vehicle is an unmanned aircraft type DP20-A, DP20, and DP16 at the Defense & Security 2022 exhibition during 29 August - 1 September 2022.

The DP20 unmanned aerial vehicle, also known as the D-eyes 04 medium-sized unmanned aircraft, is a joint system research and development project between the Army Military Research and development office Royal Thai Army Research and Development Office (ARDO), Royal Thai Army and DTI Thailand to build a prototype of a medium-sized unmanned aircraft system for ISR: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission of the Royal Thai Army Aviation Center.

Two DP20 medium unmanned aerial vehicle system prototypes have been delivered for trials around the end of 2022. They are likely to be tested by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 21st Aviation Battalion, Department of Aviation, Army Aviation Center which is the Royal Thai Army's main unmanned aerial system user unit Including Elbit Systems' Hermes 450 UAV without being found to be armed like the DP20-A or DP16.

The medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicle DP20 UAS is 5.75m long, 2.75m high and has a wingspan of 13.4m, enabling it to reach a maximum speed of 250km/h, with a flight time of 20 hours and an operating range of 200km with a flight weight up to 750kg, loading weight 150kg. Can install camera detection system EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared), topographic radar (SAR: Synthetic Aperture Radar), signal intelligence gathering system (SIGNT: Signals Intelligence), repeater which can be controlled via satellite up to 2,000km.

According to Defense & Security 2022 information, ATIL Thai representatives said that DTI Thailand has issued a requirement for two systems of Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (MALE UAV).

The development of the DP20-A MALE UAV unmanned aerial vehicle system has been completed and the Thai Aviation Industry has produced 80% of the aircraft and systems, with the establishment of a new factory in Pathum Thani Province which will be assembled and produced both for use in Thailand and for export abroad.

(AAG)