8
A. Khairi and A. ‘Izzat Sa’ari
Table 1.5 ScanEagle
specification
General characteristics
Performance
Crew: None
Payload: 3.4 kg
Length: 1.55 m–1.7 m
Empty weight: 14 kg
Loaded weight: 18 kg
Max. takeoff weight: 22 kg
Power plant: 1 × 2-stroke 3 W
piston engine—1.5 hp
Maximum speed: 80 knots or
148 km/h
Cruise speed: 60 knots or
111 km/h
Endurance: 24-plus hours
Service ceiling: 5,950 m
Avionics
High resolution, day/night camera, and thermal imagery
1.4.3 Function of UAVs
In terms of UAVs, it is all about the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
(ISR). Malaysia should keep abreast of current trends as technology becomes sophisticated every day. Formerly, Malaysia used to be second ranking in Southeast Asia
in terms of defence system, but now it is backward. For example, the Philippines is
ranked last in Southeast Asia but has now risen to third place after Singapore and
Indonesia. This has allowed Malaysia to improve its defense systems by using this
application. Based on the interview, the navy has stated that the type of UAV to be
used is the ScanEagle UAV with a medium range. This UAV will be imported from
the United States of America (USA) as the navy team who took the course was also
sent to the USA (Table 1.5).
1.4.4 Benefits of UAVs
Time is important for Navy operations especially in border surveillance. So, the
UAV is good in terms of low usage of man and in terms of time and also fast with
unpredictable weather conditions in Malaysia. The UAVs are fast and save time by
minimizing the time required to erect ladders, access towers, swing stages, aerial lifts,
and other heavy equipment. The UAV also is the best solution for navy operation. It is
due to several factors such as maintenance cost, usage of workforce, oil consumption,
and the difference in purchase price. The first factor is about maintenance cost: every
time before going out to sea to conduct sea patrol activities, the navy will run a
thorough inspection and maintenance to ensure that no damage will occur during the
operation.
The second factor is the number of workforces. A vessel will cost a lot than
an UAV does not have to produce such as a vessel that needs to provide food for
the crew, water logistics management and other requirements, bulk maintenance,
and so on while the UAV does not require all of that. The last factor is about the
purchase price. The most noticeable difference is that the price of a vessel reaches
A. Khairi and A. ‘Izzat Sa’ari
Table 1.5 ScanEagle
specification
General characteristics
Performance
Crew: None
Payload: 3.4 kg
Length: 1.55 m–1.7 m
Empty weight: 14 kg
Loaded weight: 18 kg
Max. takeoff weight: 22 kg
Power plant: 1 × 2-stroke 3 W
piston engine—1.5 hp
Maximum speed: 80 knots or
148 km/h
Cruise speed: 60 knots or
111 km/h
Endurance: 24-plus hours
Service ceiling: 5,950 m
Avionics
High resolution, day/night camera, and thermal imagery
1.4.3 Function of UAVs
In terms of UAVs, it is all about the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
(ISR). Malaysia should keep abreast of current trends as technology becomes sophisticated every day. Formerly, Malaysia used to be second ranking in Southeast Asia
in terms of defence system, but now it is backward. For example, the Philippines is
ranked last in Southeast Asia but has now risen to third place after Singapore and
Indonesia. This has allowed Malaysia to improve its defense systems by using this
application. Based on the interview, the navy has stated that the type of UAV to be
used is the ScanEagle UAV with a medium range. This UAV will be imported from
the United States of America (USA) as the navy team who took the course was also
sent to the USA (Table 1.5).
1.4.4 Benefits of UAVs
Time is important for Navy operations especially in border surveillance. So, the
UAV is good in terms of low usage of man and in terms of time and also fast with
unpredictable weather conditions in Malaysia. The UAVs are fast and save time by
minimizing the time required to erect ladders, access towers, swing stages, aerial lifts,
and other heavy equipment. The UAV also is the best solution for navy operation. It is
due to several factors such as maintenance cost, usage of workforce, oil consumption,
and the difference in purchase price. The first factor is about maintenance cost: every
time before going out to sea to conduct sea patrol activities, the navy will run a
thorough inspection and maintenance to ensure that no damage will occur during the
operation.
The second factor is the number of workforces. A vessel will cost a lot than
an UAV does not have to produce such as a vessel that needs to provide food for
the crew, water logistics management and other requirements, bulk maintenance,
and so on while the UAV does not require all of that. The last factor is about the
purchase price. The most noticeable difference is that the price of a vessel reaches