Kraus Hamdani K1000ULE
The K1000ULE (Ultra Long Endurance) has been in development by Kraus Hamdani Aerospace since at least 2022. It is a small long-endurance ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) UAV with an all-electric propulsion system, powered by lithium ion batteries and a solar cell array on the top of the wings. The sailplane-like airframe is optimized for efficient gliding and soaring, and the propeller can be folded for optimized aerodynamics when the motor is off. The resulting flight duration is around 24 hours with typical mission payloads, but the vehicle also holds an endurance record for small UAVs with a flight of almost 76 hours under optimal conditions. Its flight characteristics give the K1000ULE a very low visual and acoustic signature.
The baseline K1000ULE is launched from the top of a road vehicle moving at moderate speed, and lands on a skid, which can be easily replaced when worn down after several landings. There is also the option to add booms with additional motors and propellers to the wings, for VTOL operations.
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| Photo: Kraus Hamdani Aerospace |
| K1000ULE |
The navigation system of the K1000ULE supports all available GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) and has an INS (Inertial Navigation System) backup for GNSS-denied environments. The UAV is controlled via a tablet-based Ground Control Station, which communicates with the drone via a radio link, or an optional satellite communication (Iridium) link. The operator's workload is minimal because of the drone's AI-enhanced autonomous mission capabilities. The modular payload architecture has a capacity of up to 2.5 kg (5.5 lb). Standard payload options include an EO/IR (Electro-optical/infrared) camera system, SIGINT/EW (Signal Intelligence / Electronic Warfare) packages and a multi-object moving target indicator.
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| Photo: Kraus Hamdani Aerospace |
| K1000ULE (VTOL configuration) |
In April 2024, Kraus Hamdani received a U.S. Navy contract to supply the K1000ULE VTOL variant for the Marine Corps' Small Unit Remote Scouting System (SURSS) program. In October that year, the company received another contract through DOD's APFIT (Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies) program to supply the K1000ULE to the U.S. Army for long-range surveillance in the Pacific area, and to the Joint Special Operations Command.
Specifications
Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!
Data for K1000ULE:
| Length | 3.0 m (9.8 ft) |
| Wingspan | 5.0 m (16.4 ft) |
| Weight | max 19.3 kg (42.5 lb) |
| Speed | 55-75 km/h (30-40 kts) |
| Ceiling | 6000 m (20000 ft) |
| Range | 1600 km (1000 miles) |
| Endurance | >24 h |
| Propulsion | Electric motor |
Main Sources
[1] Kraus Hamdani Aerospace Website
[2] Kraus Hamdani Aerospace: K1000ULE Product Presentation
Back to Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 4
Last Updated: 14 November 2024