ExpoDefensa 2019: Colombia and Spain will jointly develop MALE UAV.

Airbus from Spain and CIAC (Corporación de la Industria Aeronáutica Colombiana) from Colombia work together to develop a new generation of drone under the program name of SiRTAP (Sistema RPAS Táctico de Altas Prestaciones) based on the Atlante MALE (Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance) UAV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle).

Picture released at ExpoDefensa 2019, defense and security exhibition in Colombia showing the SiRTAP MALE UAV. (Picture source Army Recognition)

In February 2019, Ministries of Defense of Colombia and Spain formalized the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to carry out the joint project for the development, design and production of high-performance tactical UAV systems under the program name of SIRTAP.

The goal of SIRTAP program is to have a new drone system that can entered in service with the Armed Forces of Colombia and Spain in 2023, taking into account that the new development is based on the ATLANTE UAV, designed in Spain by ADS, that could respond to the operational needs of the Colombian and Spanish Armed Forces in terms of performances and tactical use.

With this new drone, Colombia and Spain will have a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial system (UAS) able to perform strategic and tactical missions as well as Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. According to the first technical information released by CIAC, the drone should have a 750 kg MTOW (Max. takeoff weight) and a payload of 120 kg. It has a length of 5.47 m and can fly at a maximum speed of 200 km/h.

According to our first analysis, the SIRTAP incorporates a high wing design. The cylindrical shaped fuselage is attached with straight wings. The tail section integrates V-tail design to reduce the drag and decrease its radar signature. It is powered by a single-engine located at the rear of the fuselage.

According to Colombian Air Force officer, a total of 45 drones will be produced including the manufacturing of 12 drones in Colombia.