CW-25DE Already in Malaysian Army Service
Chinese company JOUAV has showcased two new models of VTOL multi-mission UAVs at the DSA 2022 defence exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.
The platforms, displayed by Malvus Sense – the company’s Malaysian partner – include the hybrid CW-40D and the fully-electric CW-25DE, both of which feature four rotors and one propeller.
Malvus Sense told MON that the 2.3m-long CW-40D, which has a wingspan of 4.6m, can fly for up to 10 hours, has a cruising speed of 90km/h and a top speed of 150: it can be powered either by a two- or four-stroke-engine, has a maximum take-off altitude of 4,000m, a ceiling of 6,500m, and a communication range of 200 kilometres.
Intended for military and police forces, the CW-40D has a MG170E stabilised gimbal turret mounting EO/IR and laser sensors, and embodies AI-enabled technologies for identifying and tracking targets. It comes with the company’s EagleMap 3D flight planning, monitoring, and surveillance software. It is able to conduct missions over land or sea, and be used for multiple roles, including ISR, SAR and border patrol.
With a 4.2m wingspan, the CW-25DE is powered by an electric motor and has an endurance of 3 hours while carrying a full mission payload. It has a maximum take-off weight of 29.5kg, a maximum take-off altitude of 4,000m (which will make it attractive to forces operating in mountainous areas), a ceiling of 6,000m, a cruising speed of 72km/h and a 50km communication range.
The electric UAV comes with an MG120E EO/IR stabilised gimbal turret as standard. This system, which includes an AI-enabled digital rangefinder, provides high-resolution video and imagery during day/night operations. That said, the platform can be optionally equipped with the MG150E turret or a LiDAR mapping system.
A total of six CW-25DE UAVs – as well as six hybrid CW-25Ds – have already been acquired by the geo-intelligence units of the Malaysian Army, according to a company representative. The company also states that both aircraft are also capable of ship-borne operations.
Gabriel Dominguez reporting from DSA for MON
