CENTURION, South Africa, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- An unmanned aerial system by Denel Dynamic of South Africa has completed its first flight tests following three years of development.
The tests were performed at the Alkantpan range in the Northern Cape region of the country and focused on performance parameters. A second round of tests, due to be conducted next month, will determine the craft's production readiness, the company said.
"This is a remarkable achievement for Denel and again confirms our global leadership position in the design and manufacturing of UAVS," said Tsepo Monaheng, chief executive officer of Denel Dynamics.
The Seeker 400 has a cruise speed of about 93 miles per hour and can carry a payload of as much as 160 pounds. It has an endurance of 16 hours at an altitude of 18,000 feet. It can simultaneously carry two different payloads as well as a digital video system.
Payloads can be changed in the field, allowing the Seeker to be tailored for different tactical situations.
Production of the system is expected to begin later in the year.
