Singapore-Based Company Unveils World’s First Supersonic Combat Drone

• A Singapore-based company has developed a drone capable of reaching supersonic speeds.
• The said drone can either be launched autonomously or controlled by a manned vehicle.
• More than 100 units have been pre-ordered. Each unit will cost a minimum of $9 million but could go up to as much as $16 million, depending on the included features.

Singapore’s Kelley Aerospace has recently unveiled the world’s first supersonic unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). According to the aviation company’s official website, the Arrow “pushes the boundary with state-of-the-art swarm and autonomous aerial flight logic – making it a formidable UAV.”

Moreover, the drone’s single-shell is made of lightweight carbon fiber which means it is capable of delivering a speed of up to Mach 2.1 – so its faster than the speed of sound.

“As a company of discovery and innovation, we daringly take chances and brave through the unknown – making products, which are truly ahead of their time, into reality,” the Kelley Aerospace website tells us.

The Arrow also comes equipped with a reduced radar cross-section and infrared signature, making it hard for enemies to detect. “The carbon fiber and monocoque design endows the Arrow with outstanding strength and stiffness,” a company-issued statement said.

The supersonic drone, which approximately weighs 16.8 tons, can either be launched autonomously or controlled remotely from a ground station.

“The Arrow is designed to complement manned aircraft and be a force multiplier in the aerial battlefield,” the firm also mentioned.

Meanwhile, Ian Lim, chief executive of Kelley Aerospace, pointed out:

“’UAVs are known for their persistence, loitering, but are never known for their speed. So with the Arrow supersonic UAV, you will overcome the issues of speed and reach.”

So far, Kelley Aerospace has received over 100 pre-orders of the drone. The price will be somewhere between $9 million to $16 million, depending on its features.