Investigative Report
Sudan’s defensive capabilities have advanced remarkably, dealing a blow to an advanced aerial system and causing frustration in Abu Dhabi.
The Sudanese Armed Forces shot down a UAE strategic drone over the skies of El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State in western Sudan. Nabaa Sudan platform obtained an image of the strategic drone that was downed on Monday, February 16.
According to an investigative report, the UAE strategic drone is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle operating under the REACH-S MALE UAV system. It is a cost-effective, around-the-clock unmanned aerial system designed for reconnaissance and attack missions.
The drone was developed by EDGE Group, a UAE-based defense and technology conglomerate. It was unveiled at the Dubai Airshow in November 2021 by HALCON, a subsidiary of EDGE Group specializing in the development and production of autonomous and unmanned systems.
EDGE Group received an initial order for 100 REACH-S fixed-wing drones during the Dubai Airshow held in November 2023 from the UAE Armed Forces.
The Advanced Concepts business unit of EDGE, which specializes in the design and development of advanced technologies, is currently working on developing the REACH-S MALE unmanned aircraft to meet the needs of the UAE Armed Forces.
The company has completed two successful flight tests, a weapons release campaign for the REACH-S system, and a long-endurance flight test.
ADASI, an EDGE subsidiary specialized in the creation and development of autonomous systems, managed the manufacturing and delivery of the unmanned aircraft to the UAE Armed Forces.
The REACH-S MALE drone measures 5.5 meters in length with a wingspan of 12 meters. Its maximum take-off weight is 640 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 120 kilograms.
The drone can reach an altitude of 19,000 feet and achieve a flight speed of 80 knots (about 145 km/h). Its maximum ceiling is 22,000 feet.
The REACH-S features a reusable design and endurance of up to 24 hours, making it suitable for reconnaissance missions.
It is equipped with autonomous take-off and landing capabilities, in addition to a belly-mounted electro-optical sensor.
The drone has a communications range of up to 200 kilometres from the ground control station, making it well suited for border security and long-range operational missions.
It includes a fault-tolerant system and a backup flight control system, as well as redundant servos and a backup power system.
The REACH-S drone is powered by a Rotax 912 engine rated at 110 horsepower and running on gasoline.
The Rotax 912 produces 73.5 kilowatts (100 horsepower) at 5,800 rpm and torque of 128 newton-meters at 5,100 rpm. Its displacement is 1,352 cc and it is compatible with MON 85, RON 95, and AKI 91 fuels.
The four-stroke piston engine has four air- and liquid-cooled cylinders, a forced dry-sump lubrication system with a separate oil tank, automatic hydraulic valve adjustment, and dual carburettors. It also includes a mechanical fuel pump, dual electronic ignition, electric starter, propeller reduction gearbox, and air intake system.
The overload clutch weighs 1.7 kg, the exhaust system 4 kg, the external generator 3 kg, the engine mount 2 kg, and the air guide cover 0.4 kg.
ADASI selected Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), a UAE-based satellite solutions provider, to equip REACH-S platforms with advanced satellite communications solutions.
On November 17, 2023, the UAE Ministry of Defense ordered 100 aircraft, marking the first order of its kind to supply the ministry with domestically manufactured fixed-wing drones.
Advanced Concepts, an EDGE subsidiary specializing in innovative technology design and development, is developing REACH-S aircraft in line with user requirements, while ADASI oversees production and delivery to the Ministry of Defense.
Saeed Al Mansoori, Senior Vice President of Advanced Concepts, said: “The development of REACH-S, considered the first locally manufactured, high-endurance, medium-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle, is a major achievement for EDGE Group. Thanks to the dedication of the Advanced Concepts team, we have successfully completed flight tests and weapons release trials for REACH-S, and we are now preparing for a high-endurance flight test.”
Similarly, ADASI CEO Juma Al-Kaabi said: “This important order reflects our deep expertise in the aviation sector and our continued investment in autonomous systems that meet the requirements of the UAE Ministry of Defense. Cooperation with Advanced Concepts demonstrates the enhanced benefits that synergy among EDGE Group companies can deliver to the end user.”
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