Swarm-Capable Loitering Munition Provides Cost-Effective Precision Strike

Paramount Group subsidiary, Paramount Advanced Technologies, launched the N_RAVEN – a long-range precision strike swarming UAV systems, at IDEX 2021 on 22 February.

The N-RAVEN family of autonomous, multi-mission aircraft has been designed for technology transfer and portable manufacture from within partner countries, offering accuracy and affordability. In doing so, the solution addresses a host of future mission requirements, including those in which intelligent swarming technologies, combined with multiple munition loitering and attack operations, have been proven to ensure mission survivability.

With a modular system allowing for flexible mission planning, operational units can launch the versatile N-RAVEN from multiple land, naval, and airborne platforms. Formation level commanders can further benefit from precision strike capabilities against high-value targets, both static and moving, located deep within enemy territory, by using a swarm of loitering munitions.

The 41kg N-RAVEN operates with a covert, low signature in contested environments, offering a 180km/h cruise speed and a loitering endurance time of approximately two hours. The munitions offer a variety of sensors, with each being capable of carrying a 10-15kg payload to a range of 250km. The system provides detection, identification, location, and reportage for a range of targets, and swarm capabilities offer support for multi-domain operations. As the platform’s onboard sensors and communication technologies continue to improve, they can serve as significant force multipliers for strategic and tactical assignments.

N-RAVEN is designed to saturate an area with EO/IR semi-active laser sensor-driven target identification and tracking technologies, to provide a rapid, data-rich picture of activity. This reduces threats to personnel safety, while enhancing end-user responsiveness in radically-changing engagement scenarios.

A field simulator is optionally available, which connects to the system’s control unit, allowing the N-RAVEN crew to rehearse each mission before launch. The UAV’s recording capabilities allow for a full debrief and ensure a positive learning curve for the end-user’s personnel, while reducing costs and minimising risks in operator training.

Designed as a robust yet cost-effective technology solution, N-RAVEN uses proven commercial components and experience gained from Paramount’s long legacy in the development of UAV systems, including the METEORITE.

“We continue to research, design and innovate new technologies that remove military personnel from the front lines, [and] minimise collateral damage and exposure of friendly forces. At the same time, providing surveillance and engagement support, and helping armed forces around the world garner greater intelligence and mission success,” explained Paramount Advanced Technologies’ CEO, Lee Connelly. ”Our aerospace and technology company was founded on the belief that true innovation in our space means bringing technologically advanced, affordable and highly customisable solutions to the needs of our customers and partners.”