During Eurosatory 2024, German firm B&S unveiled its Hitbird 350 multi-purpose UAV with an aluminium structure. As reported by Army Recognition, Hitbird 350 has been developed to perform attacks and ISR missions. The UAV’s lightweight aluminium structure is stated to simplify production and lower the price tag. The absence of tail control surfaces and simplistic flying wing design can also be considered design factors that make production easier. The UAV has internal combustion or electric engine options depending on user requirements with a puller propeller.
Observations from the war in Ukraine point out a need for cheaper and simpler UAVs that can be utilised by personnel on the field without the need for sophisticated equipment. The best example of this can be described as FPV UAVs, often used for attacks and observation in the field.
Other countries are developing similar-minded solutions to adapt to the mentioned change in warfare. Thus, it is understood that affordable and simple-to-operate UAVs are emerging as a new branch in the military UAV industry.
