Saqr (drone)
Saqr (meaning: Falcon) is the name of a line of Unmanned aerial vehicles produced by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology for the government of Saudi Arabia. As of August 2014, three models had been developed: Saqr 2, Saqr 3 and Saqr 4. All three models are manufactured from fiberglass and carbon composite material, making them lightweight and stealthy. The Saudi government has developed the craft for research purposes, and the units are equipped with cameras for aerial photography. According to Prince Turki bin Saud bin Mohammed, the Saqr-1 has a range of more than 2,500 km and can remain airborne for more than 24 hours.[1] The UAV flies at an average altitude of 20,000 feet.[1]
| Saqr | |
|---|---|
| Role | Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) |
| National origin | Saudi Arabia |
| Manufacturer | King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology[1] |
| First flight | 2012 |
| Status | unknown |
| Primary user | Saudi Arabian Army |
| Number built | ca. 38 |
It features a Ka band satellite communications system.[1] These weapons are Chinese AR-1 laser-guided missile and FT-9 guided bomb.[2]
The units were first developed in 2012 with a total of 38 built as of August 2014.
Variants
- Saqr 1 [3]
- Saqr 2
- Saqr 3
- Saqr 4
References
- Tomkins, Richard (May 12, 2017). "Saudi Arabia produces unmanned aerial vehicle". UPI. Archived from the original on May 12, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2017.
- "Saudi unveils indigenous combat drone Saqr 1". Aviation analysis. 2017-05-11. Retrieved 2019-07-01.
- السعودية تكشف عن طائرتها بدون طيار صقر1. BBC Arabic، نشر في 4 أبريل 2018، دخل في 8 أبريل 2018.
Sources
- ""Science & Technology "Produces (38) Drones Characterized by Lightweight, Durability and Being Radar undetectable" (Press release). King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.