The Royal Thai Navy recently received the first MARCHUS-B vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, which was deployed on the "Chakri Naruebet" light aircraft carrier (CVH 911). This marks the first time since the retirement of the AV-8S Harrier aircraft in 2006 that the "Chakri Naruebet" light aircraft carrier has deployed a fixed-wing carrier-based aircraft. It also signifies the transformation of this carrier into an unmanned aircraft carrier in the future.
MARCUS-B is the latest unmanned aircraft developed by the Royal Thai Navy's Research and Development Office (NRDO) in collaboration with several private enterprises, including Ocean R&D and SDT Composites. Its full name is "Maritime Air Reconnaissance Unmanned Vehicle System." The aircraft is 2.8 meters long, with a wingspan of 4.8 meters, and has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 50 kilograms. It can cruise at speeds between 92 to 130 kilometers per hour. The most notable feature is its vertical take-off and landing capability. Equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors, advanced data links, and C4ISR systems, the MARCHUS-B has strong capabilities for aerial reconnaissance and surveillance. Additionally, the aircraft can be equipped with different payloads based on mission requirements.
After demonstrating reliable performance during testing and receiving certification last year, the first production model of MARCHUS-B started being delivered this year. Subsequently, it will enter mass production after budget approval. The Royal Thai Navy hopes to transform the "Chakri Naruebet" light aircraft carrier into an unmanned aircraft carrier by introducing drones, and it is expected to be capable of carrying a large number of low-cost drones in the future.
Additionally, the Royal Thai Navy announced that it recently signed a contract with French company Thales and Thai company UCS to carry out a 15-month life extension project for the "Chakri Naruebet" light aircraft carrier, upgrading its Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). After the life extension and upgrade, the "Chakri Naruebet" light aircraft carrier will continue to serve until the 2030s.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1849477008972876/
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