SATCOM-fitted KARAYEL-SU has been exhibited for the first time with a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) integration.
Side-scanning SAR can be carried in front of the EO/IR system under the fuselage. Thanks to its lesser degree of susceptibility to visual obstructions, SAR is a wide-area scanning alternative to the EO/IR systems.
Due to different wavelengths from the observable light, electromagnetic waves can pass through visual obstructions like clouds, smoke, and fog. For this reason, SAR systems occasionally work in tandem with optical systems for optimal observation performance.
KARAYEL-SU, the first version of the KARAYEL family to have SATCOM capability, is powered by a 97-hp internal combustion engine and has an endurance of 20 hours. The UAV can carry a payload of 190 kg (70 kg under fuselage+120 kg under wings). Munitions include ROKETSAN’s MAM-L glide munitions and CİRİT 70 mm laser-guided missiles (Single Pod).
Saudi Arabia is a major user of KARAYEL-SU with ongoing local production of the UAV under the name Haboob. Saudi firm GAMI will produce 40 units by 2025.
Another interesting display from Lentatek is the hydrogen fuel cells specifically developed for small UAVs. The company aims to increase the endurance of electrically driven UAVs, which usually have limitations in this regard. The fuel cells were exhibited alongside a test platform.
EFES-2024: Lentatek Shows SAR on KARAYEL-SU Armed UAV
