DSO team behind quieter, harder-to-detect unmanned aircraft honoured

Easier to deploy

- Mike Yeo

The Singapore Army now uses an unmanned aircraft for aerial surveillance that can be deployed by two soldiers in 10 minutes without the need for tools.

It takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter, and has a carbon-fibre propeller so it is less noisy and harder to detect.

On Nov 26, a team from DSO National Laboratories that contributed to the design, manufacture and fielding of the V15 mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) clinched a Defence Technology Prize Team (Research and Development) award.

The team was led by Mr Ong Chengli, programme director at the robotics division at DSO, Singapore's national defence research and development organisation.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen presented the Defence Technology Prize to two individuals and four teams at an award ceremony held at the DSO Auditorium.

Established by the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) in 1989, the annual award recognises individuals and teams that have made significant technological contributions to Singapore's defence capabilities.

The prize also serves to foster technological innovation and encourage breakthroughs in defence science and technology.

Mr Ong said the V15's unique take-off and landing capabilities mean that it is a lot easier to deploy, and does not require a large area to operate from.