JCQ50 "Donkey"
The latest technology from Jabiru, a robust VTOL tactical cargo drone.Cruise Speed
105 KM/H
Payload
50kg
Range
150 KM
Type
VTOL
Drone technology has developed at an amazing rate. Jabiru is marrying that technology with its existing capabilities in aircraft design and manufacturing to develop useful payload carrying drones. With the support of the Australian Department of Defence and the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, Jabiru is developing the JCQ50.
The donkey is embedded in Australian Army folklore. Our aim is that Australian soldiers will welcome the arrival of the JCQ50 with the same sense of anticipation as their predecessors welcomed its four-legged namesake.
Capability
The Jabiru Coax-Quad 50, with the development name “Donkey”, is a tactical cargo drone capable of delivering essential supplies in terrain that restricts road or water based supply.
The JCQ50 is a UAV of novel configuration designed to carry payloads packaged in a Joint Modular Intermodal Container (JMIC) Trunk and transport and deliver these payloads up to 75km and return without refuelling, giving a total operational range of 150km. The JCQ50 is a Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) vehicle and is intended to operate into and out of unprepared locations where no launch or recovery infrastructure exists.
Design
The arrangement of the Donkey is novel in that it decouples the lift and control requirements of flight. The system is powered by a conventional 4 stroke V twin engine fuelled by mogas. The engine powers a pair of coaxial main rotors via a gearbox while simultaneously providing electrical power through an alternator/battery system which powers smaller control rotors on four radiating arms. The arms double as manual carrying points for logistics purposes. The undercarriage is a simple structure which is the undercarriage for landing in an unladen state and is the mounting platform for the JMIC trunk in the laden state.
LOGISTICS
The Donkey is designed for simple logistics and operation. Two disassembled Donkey’s can be transported in a full size JMIC Container and can be disassembled and reassembled without special tools or facilities. The Donkey is also designed to be repaired by simple removal and substitution of a subsystem (e.g. complete control arm).
Operation
The Donkey is operated from a typical Ground Control Station (GCS) with a capability to be remotely piloted or operated in “Automatic” mode, meaning that the UAV is “directed” by the operator rather than “piloted”. Each vehicle’s base equipment includes an optical camera providing situational awareness and GPS location. Other sensors and capabilities may be added to meet customer requirements.
Specifications And Performance
Jabiru JCQ50 |
|
|---|---|
| Range (return) | 150 km |
| Payload (incl trunk) | 50 kg |
| Ground Speed | 105 km/hr |
| Payload Size | 609 x 406 x 1016 mm |
| MTOW | 149 kg |
| Engine Rating | 36 hp |
| Engine Type | Twin V 4 Stroke |