Shoulder-launched anti-armour weapons take to the skies with UAS integration
Alare Technologies and NAMMO Defense Systems have teamed up to provide the former’s Ballistic Loitering Attack Drone (BLADE) with an offensive capability based on the normally shoulder-launched M72 LAW.
BLADE was originally developed as a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAS and is classed as a Group 2 multirole system... Continues below
Newsletter Sponsors:
Above: Alare Technologies’ Ballistic Loitering Attack Drone (BLADE) has been tested with two NAMMO M72 LAW weapons. (Photo: author)
Its regular ISR payload is a NextVision DragonEye 2 EO/IR sensor pack which sends images back in real time to the operator via a built-in data link with a typical maximum range of 10km.
Endurance depends on mission payload, but Alare personnel are claiming a maximum of 80 minutes with the ISR payload at a total weight of 15.86kg, and 40 minutes with two NAMMO M72 LAW shoulder-fired weapon payloads and a fire control system at a maximum take-off weight of 25kg.
Explore armored vehicles and turret systems of Otokar, the global land systems manufacturer.
Operating altitude is typically 200m above ground level (AGL) and maximum operational ceiling is said to be 4,500m; the system can operate in winds of up to 45km/h and dash speed is quoted as 90km/h.
When used in attack mode it is fitted with two NAMMO M72 shoulder-fired weapons which have been built in large numbers for home and export markets.
The M72s are launched by the operator when the UAV is above the target and trials have shown that this can be achieved with little training.
From take-off, time to engage a target at a typical range of 1.5km is stated to be two minutes, and if that target is not neutralised a second M72 LAW can be launched in five seconds.
BLADE is said to be reusable up to 100 times, resulting in a low cost per shot metric, and it can also be used as a delivery vehicle for urgent supplies.
Other articles in this newsletter:
Divergent paths – how NATO members are abandoning standardisation for artillery rockets
How Sweden is evolving the CV90 IFV and supporting Ukraine
As it has an open system architecture it is payload- and radio-agnostic and stated to be capable of operating in a GPS-denied environment.
The multirole M72 A12 is used to eliminate threats in the open and defilade while also maintaining the ability to exploit the vulnerable upper surfaces of light armoured vehicles.
Above: The BLADE can launch all NAMMO LAW rounds with the exception of the latest M72 FEE. (Photo: author)
The M72 Enhanced Capability, for example, has a HEAT (high-explosive antitank) warhead that will penetrate up to 450mm of rolled homogenous armour.
According to Alare, BLADE in attack mode with the M72 has been successfully demonstrated in the continental US as well as Hawaii.
The company already has a contract from the US government to supply two systems to Ukraine with each of these consisting of one portable ground station and two UAVs.
Don't want to miss out on future Decisive Edge content? Make sure you are signed up to our email newsletters.
