WDS 2024: Turkish company Firestar Systems showcases Huntsman dual-purpose drone.

At the World Defense Show 2024 (WDS 2024) in Saudi Arabia, the Turkish defense company Firestar Systems, a joint venture between Hydra Technologies and various Turkish industrial partners, presented the Huntsman Surveillance & Strike Drone System. This system is designed to serve dual purposes: surveillance and precision striking, catering to the tactical needs of modern military operations.
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The Huntsman demonstrates a range of 10 kilometers and can operate for up to 30 minutes. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Huntsman demonstrates a range of 10 kilometers and can operate for up to 30 minutes, with these specifications varying based on the drone's configuration and the payload it carries. Notably, the system's operational time extends when configured solely for surveillance purposes without armaments.

The Huntsman is constructed with a carbon fiber frame, incorporating six carbon fiber propellers and six electric motors. It is equipped with military-grade GPS and two antennas, features that support its reliability and functionality in various operational scenarios.

For surveillance tasks, the system is equipped with a high-grade gimbal camera that includes a 30x optical zoom, fixed-focus 1080p resolution, 640x512 IR thermal imaging, and a 1,800m laser range finder. These specifications aim to enhance the situational awareness of ground forces by providing detailed information in real time.

When configured for strike missions, the Huntsman can carry a variety of warheads suitable for precision strikes. Its payload options are diverse, including 2 x 81mm or 82mm mortar launchers, 4 x 60mm mortar launchers, 6 x T40 40 mm grenade launchers (with an option for 8), or a single 120mm mortar launcher, allowing for flexible armament configurations tailored to specific operational requirements.

The technical specifications of the system reveal a frame size of 1580mm and a logistics-friendly box size of 1000mm x 1000mm x 550mm. It operates on an electric power battery with an optional gasoline-electric hybrid for extended range. The Huntsman's cruising time is up to 30 minutes with a payload, with a cruising speed of 9m/s and a maximum of 11m/s. It supports autonomous take-off and landing capabilities facilitated by GPS, with a recommended mission altitude of up to 1000m and positioning accuracy of ±5m, which can be enhanced to ±1cm with optional RTK.

An optional feature of the Huntsman is its Artificial Intelligence (AI) navigation package, designed for operation in contested environments as a countermeasure against jamming. This AI functionality automates the process from target search and analysis to locking on and attacking, all within an integrated map system.