The MARSS interceptor is made of carbon fibre, titanium, and polymer. (MARSS)
UK technology firm MARSS launched a new counter unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) technology at the World Defense Show in Riyadh on 6 March, featuring a reusable, electrically powered interceptor.
The system utilises a vertically launched electrically powered air vehicle that has a wingspan of around 90 centimetres, and can travel at velocities in excess of 80 m/s. While the company is not releasing details of the range of the system, it can fly for a minimum of 5 kilometres. The air vehicle is made of carbon fibre, titanium, and polymer, and has an all-up mass of approximately 10 kg. The system is launched electromagnetically, allowing a few metres of assisted flight prior to the engines starting, with a launch capability of less than ten seconds from launch command. This time can be reduced through the scalable use of multiple launchers.
The system then uses the kinetic force generated by its velocity to hit targets; and is able to defeat multiple class I type UAVs in a single flight, as well as intercept larger class II UAVs. It can then return to the launch site for repairs and be re-used. Using a modular design, the front, back and wings can all be readily replaced to allow for rapid turnaround for re-engagement.
“Short-range air defence missiles easily cost six figures, and are used to defeat a relatively cheap or low-cost drone. It's not cost effective, especially in the long-run. There are other hit-to-kill or interceptor UAVs on the market, but they are relatively slow and short-range,” Stephen Scott, Head of R&D for Defence at MARSS told Janes.
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