FPV (First Person View) drones, which have recently been used in different battlefields, allow the pilot to control the aircraft by watching the image from the drone’s camera in real time through a virtual reality headset or monitor. FPV drones allow the pilot to experience flying and operating the aircraft as if they were inside the drone. In this way, pilots can perform precise maneuvers with the drone and easily move around obstacles.
Robit Technology, one of the unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturers, has been working on kamikaze-capable drones for a while. As a result of these studies, the AZAT FPV kamikaze drone was made ready for mass production.
Robit Technology took into account the demands and carried out a technology demonstration with the participation of delegations from 4 countries. AZAT, controlled by the operator with glasses, successfully completed its mission by reaching the specified targets and activating the explosives on it.
Operating noiselessly, AZAT has a flight range of up to 4 kilometers and can stay in the air for 15 minutes. With its replaceable antenna set, AZAT can be adapted to the requirements of different conditions and can complete its mission safely with the flight control software created with domestic resources.
AZAT, which has a triple protection shield, operates with a system design that does not require GPS. Even if the data link connection is cut off, it can be monitored and controlled with the operator’s glasses. With artificial intelligence support, it can attack a predetermined target without any connection, and if the target is not determined, it can self-destruct.
AZAT has versions that can carry 500, 750 and 1000 grams of payload.
RECEIVED “FULL SCORE” FROM THE DELEGATIONS
Robit Technology Electronic Systems and Field Operations Coordinator Ziya Cogen emphasized that the nationality rate of the FPV drone AZAT has reached 80 percent and that it was designed and produced with domestic means.
Cogen stated that they implemented 3 different scenarios within the scope of the field test and that delegations from 4 countries watched them. Cogen spoke as follows:
“Two of the tests were successful. One was an explosion test on anti-personnel. It was a test to eliminate enemy elements positioned in narrow spaces. The second was a test to hit an air target. Both of these tests were successful.
After this, AZAT became a product that has proven its functionality in the field. It is a product that has been tested in the field many times before these tests. Revisions were made to the designs in line with these tests. The ideas of the committees were developed with the suggestions and feedback of the field personnel. Now AZAT is a product that has proven its design and accuracy. We also received full marks from our committees. Now we have a product that is ready for mass production.”
Cogen stated that AZAT has become a product that is ready for use in the FPV concept and can be quickly recovered, and made the following assessments:
“AZAT’s battery, ammunition, design, mechanical design, electronic cards and the software running on them are all developed by our engineers. All electronic system components, hardware, flight and demolition software of AZAT have been localized. Sub-components in many technological areas, from the developed flight control card to the video communication card, to the demolition module specially developed for life safety, have been produced locally. Without allowing imported products in this field, AZAT aims to commercially achieve a concept that is produced in our country and exported to the world. 80 percent nationality is a serious ratio in such a product. Non-national equipment is reusable remote control and glasses. It is a system that we plan to completely nationalize in the coming years.
This concept product, designed for the battlefield compared to its competitors, is being diversified in the future according to swarm drones and different target types. Working under jammer is an important ability. AZAT has also proven its operational capability in this regard.”
“WHATEVER THE FORCE’S NEEDS WILL BE MEET”
Pointing out that it is difficult to provide stabilization in such fast drones and therefore high piloting skills are required, Ziya Cogen said that the software, electronics and stabilizing systems in AZAT allow the user to use it with a short training period without reducing too much load.
Cogen explained that when a threat is detected in narrow and difficult terrain conditions, AZAT can be quickly deployed to the field and intervened with low risk and cost, and noted the following:
“Today, we tested 2 types of explosives for anti-personnel and air threats as ammunition. Apart from that, it also allows for operations with anti-tank and similar types of explosives. It will be able to support all the needs of the force. With a carrying capacity of approximately 1 kilogram of explosives, it can allow for the use of almost all types of explosives here. It can carry 3 ammunition with its multiple ammunition usage concept.”
Ziya Cogen pointed out that they are conducting export negotiations with many countries for AZAT and said, “AZAT is about to make its first export, thus we aim to be the first company to export FPV drones for the Turkish defense industry.”
