Defense & Security 2023: RV Connex unveils Sky Scout-M

The Sky Scout-M, pictured at the Defense & Security 2023 show in Bangkok, is a modified version of the Sky Scout, or U1, in service with the Royal Thai Air Force. (Janes/Jon Grevatt)

Thai firm RV Connex has displayed a combat version of its Sky Scout unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the Defense & Security 2023 exhibition in Bangkok.

The baseline version of the Sky Scout entered service with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in 2021. The UAV, designated ‘U1', is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) gathering.

The updated version of the aircraft is named Sky Scout-M and is fitted with two hardpoints for weapons and other payloads.

The Sky Scout-M was displayed with two munitions that are being integrated into the aircraft. These comprise Thales' Free Fall Lightweight Multi-role Missile (FFLMM) precision-guided munition and the RASH-1M guided munition, which is produced by ADASI, a subsidiary of United Arab Emirates' Edge Group.

Janes understands that the Sky Scout-M has been in development for at least four years and is supported by an integrated autopilot system developed by RV Connex. The aircraft is fitted with an engine sourced from Italy.

An RV Connex official told Janes that development of the Sky Scout-M was completed, although further trials are required firing the two munition types. He said the company is also discussing potential supplies to the RTAF.

According to RV Connex, the wingspan of the Sky Scout-M is 6.3 m and its length is 3.6 m. It has a loitering speed of 58 kt, an endurance of 12 h, and a service ceiling of 15,000 ft. The payload capacity of the baseline version is 16 kg. RV Connex did not disclose the payload capacity of modified version.