Low Cost Surveillance

PT Indo Pacific Communication and Defence (IPCD) is displaying an LH Aviation LH-10 Ellipse light aircraft at the show (Hall D, Stand 234). The company owns this aircraft for demonstration and test purposes, and it is shown here in surveillance fit with a retractable sensor turret in the nose.

IPCD will deliver an optionally-piloted version of the Ellipse to the Indonesian air force by the end of the year for evaluation, having already supplied target drones to the service. The LHD optionally-piloted version was revealed by LH Aviation at the Paris air show last year.

Designed in France, the LH-10 is a compact composite light aircraft offering an endurance approaching 24 hours when flown unmanned. Power is provided by a low fuelburn Rotax 912 engine, with a heavy fuel engine available as an alternative. Both manned and optionally-piloted versions can be configured for various missions, from training to light attack. The interchangeable nose can mount different sensors for ISR duties, and the aircraft can carry weapons under the wings for close air support missions.

 ♖ IHS Janes