Malaysian Armed Forces Receive First Batch of Polish FlyEye Mini UAVs

17 Desember 2024

Flyeye set of unmanned aerial system (photo: WB Group)

WB Group announced in a press release that Malaysia has joined the group of users of the FlyEye unmanned aerial system. WB Group has already delivered the first batch of FlyEye unmanned aerial systems to Malaysia. Earlier, soldiers from that country were trained in operating the unmanned aircraft at training facilities located in Silesia.

On December 12, WB Group announced that Malaysia is the next user of Polish FlyEye drones. WB Group delivered the first batch of FlyEye unmanned aerial systems to Malaysia. Earlier, soldiers from that country were trained in operating unmanned aerial vehicles at training facilities located in Silesia. 

FlyEye unmanned aerial systems have been supplied to the armed forces for nearly 15 years. The first user in the world was the Polish Special Forces, which still uses a large number of reconnaissance platforms designed by the Gliwice-based company Flytronic.

Flyeye specification (image: WB Group)

The twelve-kilogram FlyEye systems are used by the Polish Army (including the Territorial Defense Forces), as well as the armed forces and uniformed services of several countries. Since 2015, FlyEye family UAVs have been supplied to the Ukrainian armed forces.

The FlyEye system is one of the most advanced designs. It consists of several airframes equipped with interchangeable task modules, transmitter-receiver stations and command and control systems.

FlyEye has the ability to exchange reconnaissance data with the TOPAZ combat management system, a national solution used by the Polish Rocket and Artillery Forces. In March 2024, the WB Group announced the delivery of the thousandth FlyEye unmanned system in version 3.x to the user.

Flyeye unmanned aerial system (photo: WB Group)

The basic task module is equipped with a movable observation head with two cameras: day and thermal imaging. A module with only a thermal imaging camera is also available, designed for night operations.

The UAV's reconnaissance functions can be expanded to include signal retransmission when the module is supplemented by a PERAD radio station. It significantly increases, up to a hundred kilometers, the range of communications of land forces units equipped with personal radio stations, creating a "virtual mast."

FlyEye is characterized by a very low logistical burden. The system can be carried in two backpacks. FlyEye does not require any additional equipment for takeoff and landing. The unmanned aircraft takes off almost vertically from the operator's hand.

Comparison Fyeye with soldier (photo: WB Group)

The landing of the unmanned system is a two-stage process. First, the task module is released and descends safely on a parachute, without damaging the valuable observation head. In the second stage, the unmanned aircraft lands in a gliding flight without any load. 

FlyEye is a motor glider equipped with a quiet and efficient electric motor. For most of the mission, the drone glides, which reduces the possibility of its detection by the enemy. The electric motor is activated for altitude changes and sudden maneuvers.

The WB Group is one of the largest and most experienced manufacturers of unmanned aerial systems. In 2024, the manufacturer signed three implementation agreements for the delivery of over one hundred and ten FlyEye sets for the Polish Armed Forces.

(PortalObronny)