A redesigned version of Taiwan’s indigenous Teng Yun 2 unmanned aerial vehicle has been undergoing combat testing for the last month.
The testing began in mid-March but the completion date is unknown, Taipei Times revealed citing a source.
The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology-developed drone failed its combat test last year, necessitating a redesign.
The redesigning includes changes in both software and hardware for the drone’s improved performance, according to Focus Taiwan.
Development Stages
A weapon system needs to pass through four development stages before it enters mass production: initial conceptual design stage, engineering development stage, initial weapon testing, and combat readiness testing.
The combat drone was unveiled in 2019 and passed its initial weapon test in March 2022.
It completed a 20-hour flight test in June.
Resembles MQ-1 Predator
The long-endurance, satellite-guided drone can carry multiple payloads for both combat and reconnaissance.
It resembles the US MQ-1 Predator drone and can use AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.
It is powered by a turboprop engine and has a range of over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) and a service ceiling of 25,000 feet (7,620 meters).