Pretoria-based defense group, Milkor has achieved a significant milestone with the successful first test flight of its Milkor 380 drone.
This achievement comes after three years and seven months of dedicated effort on the project, as reported by Netwerk24.
The Milkor 380 now stands as the largest drone ever constructed in Africa, boasting an impressive 18.6-meter wingspan, a remarkable continuous flight time of up to 35 hours, an extensive range of 2,000 kilometers, and an impressive maximum altitude of 9,000 meters.
The company is currently engaged in a series of regular test flights and aims to have four Milkor 380 drones ready for the market by the end of 2023.
The Milkor 380 is operated from the ground by a team of three individuals, including a pilot, a commander, and a dedicated equipment controller.
According to Daniël du Plessis, business development manager at Milkor, the size of the drone plays a critical role in determining the range of equipment it can carry.
He explained, “Some of the sensors with which it is equipped are heavy. A larger drone can accommodate more of them and even weapons.” The Milkor 380 is equipped with infrared and high-resolution cameras that enable it to perform various tasks, including observation, intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and offensive missions. It can also be utilized for conservation efforts, anti-poaching activities on land and at sea, as well as border control.
Milkor promotes the Milkor 380 as a comprehensive observation system, offering not only the drone but also a control room, maintenance programs, logistics support for fuel and parts, operator training, and satellite and ground-based communication infrastructure.
The pricing of the drone is variable and depends on individual customer specifications, and it’s important to note that Milkor’s drones are entirely manufactured in South Africa.
In February 2023, BusinessTech reported that Milkor had commenced testing the Milkor 380 in collaboration with the South African Air Force in Cape Town.
The drone specifications provided by Du Plessis earlier in the year are as follows:
– Length: 9 meters
– Maximum Range: 2,000 kilometers
– Maximum Flight Altitude: 30,000 feet (9,144 meters)
– Operating Altitude: 23,000 feet (7,010 meters)
– Maximum Flight Time: 35 hours non-stop
– Maximum Load Capacity: 210 kilograms
– Maximum Speed: 250 kilometers per hour
– Operating Speed: 110 to 150 kilometers per hour
The utilization of drones for security purposes in South Africa has witnessed significant developments recently.
The newly-established border management authority has announced its plans to acquire various technologies, including drones, to enhance security at the country’s 72 ports of entry.
Additionally, the Gauteng Department of e-Government has allocated a budget of R1.7 billion for the acquisition of drones, camera surveillance, and other crime-fighting technologies.
The deployment of drones, equipped with cameras, has proven to be an effective tool for enhancing security and aiding in the deterrence and apprehension of criminals.
The Gauteng Department is also considering deploying CCTV cameras at major roads, business centers, and other crime-prone areas.
Additionally, they have proposed the distribution of electronic panic buttons to residents, enabling them to quickly seek assistance in emergency situations.
