AS209 Chinese Tactical UAV System for Pakistan Army

[XYON]

Pakistan Army recently concluded trials of the Chinese AS209 Tactical UAV System (offered by Poly Technologies from China) in Mangla and Bahawalpur. The said TUAV was being pitched by the Chinese as a MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) UAV capable of ranges up to 200-400kms using a relay bird. The said bird was tested by the Army over comprehensive trials period in which the said UAV system was also flown in rain. However and in conclusion the Army has rejected the system and found it unsuitable for induction in the Army because of various reasons mostly concerning the low component quality & difficulty of operation & mobility/ deployment by Pakistan Army standards & the very high RCS (on our radar systems) and very high acoustic signature due to low quality propeller of the offered UAV system. The AS209 incredibly resembles the Israeli Tactical UAV system called Hermes. The said bird also flew only for 200kms using the relay bird and the Chinese refused to fly it for 400 kms as was proposed to be done in Baluchistan by the Army.

Pakistan Army also has emphasized that attention should be paid to the further development of indigenous platforms already being used in Pakistan instead of going for a seemingly complicated system such as the Chinese AS209 that has been offered for around US$25 million per system!! The system that was tested consisted of 2 birds, 3 vehicles (LHD mostly Chinese), and a team of 18 Chinese personnel to run the entire show. Also it takes around 2 days to make initial preparation to launch the system from unpacking into operation on the field. The birds are retrieved by parachute and the entire GCS mission planning software is in Chinese language. Lastly, Army needs an additional Mi26 Helicopter to transport the entire system to its op location if required. The said system is not transportable by any helicopters currently inducted into the Army.

 

[TaimiKhan]

Well, most probably its the ASN-209 system, something like below. By the way, good decision, if the system doesn't meets our criteria, better go with local production, it will not only give plus point to the local industry, rather we can save money and invest in more effective systems.

DSC00460-thumb-560x420-53431.jpg (image)

001aa0c32d2e0c2e9d9056.JPG (image)

 

[SQ8]

Local systems will fare much better..
There are people in our procurement industry who "push" such systems(Chinese, British, French.. American) to the three arms for a healthy commission. Their tactics involve both contacts and kickbacks..
Most are retired Military men who did not do so well in uniform but decided to cash in on their ranks and contacts. Others are industrialists or shady businessmen with links to those in power..both civillian and military.

 

[SEAL]

What about the "Burraq"?

 

[graphican]

What about the Burraq?

Our decission indicates we are not empty otherwise and we would only induct this offered UAV if it is far better than what we can hold on to. Indications are good and are in the favour of Burraq. My 2 cents.

 

[Arsalan]

What about the "Burraq"?

have this for Burraq
http://www.defence.pk/forums/military-aviation/57224-burraq-ucav-will-fly-next-year.html

 

[XYON]

Local systems will fare much better..
There are people in our procurement industry who "push" such systems(Chinese, British, French.. American) to the three arms for a healthy commission. Their tactics involve both contacts and kickbacks..
Most are retired Military men who did not do so well in uniform but decided to cash in on their ranks and contacts. Others are industrialists or shady businessmen with links to those in power..both civillian and military.

It is 'rumored' that the 'man' behind this bid is none other than the brother (retired Brigadier) of our COAS!! Hence the 'emphasis' on conducting 'comprehensive' trials of an otherwise useless equipment. Time & time again I am amazed how senior leadership of the Army cannot refrain their kith and kin from such antics while being in office or even until after.