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{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin {|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
|name = NCSIST Albatross |name = NCSIST Albatross
|image = Chung Shyang II UAV.jpg |image = UAV 9728 Display at Chengkungling Ground 20150606.jpg
|caption = NCSIST Albatross, then called the Chung Shyang II UAV, being unveiled publicly on the 2007 National Day Celebrations}} |caption = }}
{{Infobox Aircraft Type {{Infobox Aircraft Type
|type = UAV |type = UAV
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|retired = <!--date the aircraft left military or revenue service. If vague or multiples, it probably should be skipped--> |retired = <!--date the aircraft left military or revenue service. If vague or multiples, it probably should be skipped-->
|status = In service |status = In service
|primary user = ] |primary user = ]
|more users = |more users =
|produced = <!--years in production, e.g. 1970-1999, if still in active use but no longer built--> |produced = <!--years in production, e.g. 1970-1999, if still in active use but no longer built-->
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}} }}
|} |}
]

]
] ]
] ]
] ] Ground with rain cover]]


The '''Albatross''', also known as the '''Chung Shyang II''', is a medium unmanned aerial vehicle made by ].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ng |first1=JR |title=Asia-Pacific Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Directory 2018 |journal=Asia Military Review |date=August 2019 |pages=14–27 |url=https://issuu.com/vishmeh/docs/amr_1808 |accessdate=17 January 2020}}</ref> It is in service with the ] and the ]. The '''Albatross'''({{lang-zh|t=銳鳶|p=Ruì yuān}},“Sharp Kite”), also known as the '''Chung Xiang II''', is a medium unmanned aerial vehicle made by ].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ng |first1=JR |title=Asia-Pacific Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Directory 2018 |journal=Asia Military Review |date=August 2019 |pages=14–27 |url=https://issuu.com/vishmeh/docs/amr_1808 |accessdate=17 January 2020}}</ref> It is in service with the ].


==Description== ==Design==
The Chung Shyang II UAV can perform surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, artillery spotting and battle damage assessment sorties for the military and perform other duties such as border patrol, and aerial reconnaissance for various government agencies.<ref name="The Diplomat 2014" /> The Chung Shyang II UAV can perform surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, artillery spotting and battle damage assessment sorties for the military and perform other duties such as border patrol, and aerial reconnaissance for various government agencies. It can also be used as air communication relay and carry out disaster assessment during times of disasters.<ref name="The Diplomat 2014" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=中型中翔無人機 |url=https://www.ncsist.org.tw/csistdup/products/product.aspx?product_Id=20&catalog=56 |publisher=NCSIST |access-date=2024-01-15 |archive-date=2022-07-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719115948/https://www.ncsist.org.tw/csistdup/products/product.aspx?product_Id=20&catalog=56|language=zh-tw}}</ref>


The Albatross has a wingspan of 8 meters<ref>{{cite web |last1=Elaine Hou and Kuo Chung-han |first1=Rita Cheng |title=New U.S. drone sale policy could be good for Taiwan |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/201502180005 |website=focustaiwan.tw |publisher=Focus Taiwan |accessdate=17 January 2020}}</ref> and a range of more than 180km. Endurance is approximately 12 hours.<ref name="Focus Taiwan 2019" /> It carries an electro-optical payload and can operate in both day and night. In addition to its military capabilities the Albatross can also be used for civilian applications such as agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry, disaster monitoring, environmental protection, traffic control, target searching, position recognition, coastal patrol, communications relay, and hazardous terrain survey.<ref>{{cite web |title=Albatross Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems |url=http://www.ncsist.org.tw/eng/csistdup/products/product.aspx?product_Id=20&catalog=9 |website=www.ncsist.org.tw |publisher=NCSIST |accessdate=17 January 2020}}</ref> Officials have refused to comment on whether the type can be armed.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Peck |first1=Michael |title=Taiwan shows off UAVs |url=https://www.c4isrnet.com/unmanned/2014/12/18/taiwan-shows-off-uavs/ |website=www.c4isrnet.com |publisher=C4ISR.net |accessdate=17 January 2020|date=2017-08-08 }}</ref> The Albatross has a wingspan of 8 meters<ref>{{cite web |last1=Elaine Hou and Kuo Chung-han |first1=Rita Cheng |title=New U.S. drone sale policy could be good for Taiwan |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/201502180005 |website=focustaiwan.tw |publisher=Focus Taiwan |accessdate=17 January 2020}}</ref> and a range of more than 180km. Endurance is approximately 12 hours.<ref name="Focus Taiwan 2019" /> It carries an electro-optical payload and can operate in both day and night. In addition to its military capabilities the Albatross can also be used for civilian applications such as agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry, disaster monitoring, environmental protection, traffic control, target searching, position recognition, coastal patrol, communications relay, and hazardous terrain survey.<ref>{{cite web |title=Albatross Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems |url=http://www.ncsist.org.tw/eng/csistdup/products/product.aspx?product_Id=20&catalog=9 |website=www.ncsist.org.tw |publisher=NCSIST |accessdate=17 January 2020}}</ref> Officials have refused to comment on whether the type can be armed.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Peck |first1=Michael |title=Taiwan shows off UAVs |url=https://www.c4isrnet.com/unmanned/2014/12/18/taiwan-shows-off-uavs/ |website=www.c4isrnet.com |publisher=C4ISR.net |accessdate=17 January 2020|date=2017-08-08 }}</ref>


==Development== ===Development===
CSIST unveiled a prototype of the UAV at the ] in August, 2005. CSIST began researching UAVs in 2002, which resulted in the first Chung Shyang I UAV, then later the Chung Shyang II.<ref name="Flight Global 2005">{{cite web |last1=SOBIE |first1=BRENDAN |title=Government-controlled CSIST unveils Chung Shyang II mock-up and hopes to develop strike version for military |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/taiwan-wants-to-arm-tactical-uav-201115/ |website=www.flightglobal.com |publisher=Flight Global |accessdate=17 July 2019}}</ref> CSIST unveiled a prototype of the UAV at the ] in August, 2005. CSIST began researching UAVs in 2002, which resulted in the first Chung Shyang I UAV, then later the Chung Shyang II.<ref name="Flight Global 2005">{{cite web |last1=SOBIE |first1=BRENDAN |title=Government-controlled CSIST unveils Chung Shyang II mock-up and hopes to develop strike version for military |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/taiwan-wants-to-arm-tactical-uav-201115/ |website=www.flightglobal.com |publisher=Flight Global |accessdate=17 July 2019}}</ref>


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In 2019 a Navy Albatross made the types first fly-over demonstration during an exercise in ].<ref name="Focus Taiwan 2019" /> In 2019 a Navy Albatross made the types first fly-over demonstration during an exercise in ].<ref name="Focus Taiwan 2019" />


Following a 2019 crash the military ordered upgrades to be made across the entire Albatross fleet, by May 2020 NCSIST had completed upgrades on 26 aircraft.<ref name="Taiwan News May 2020" >{{cite web |last1=Chen |first1=Kelvin |title=Taiwan's Navy upgrades drone fleet |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3935762 |website=www.taiwannews.com.tw |publisher=Taiwan News |accessdate=18 May 2020}}</ref> Following a 2019 crash the military ordered upgrades to be made across the entire Albatross fleet,<ref>{{cite web |title=Taiwan upgrades Albatross tactical UAVs |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/2020/05/20/928464eb-fa69-4a8d-bacc-b8028c342c60 |website=www.janes.com |publisher=Janes |accessdate=23 May 2020}}</ref> by May 2020 NCSIST had completed upgrades on 26 aircraft.<ref name="Taiwan News May 2020" >{{cite web |last1=Chen |first1=Kelvin |title=Taiwan's Navy upgrades drone fleet |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3935762 |website=www.taiwannews.com.tw |date=18 May 2020 |publisher=Taiwan News |accessdate=18 May 2020}}</ref>


==Incidents== ===Incidents===
Albatross' have crashed in 2012, 2013, and 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yeh |first1=Joseph |title=Military UAV goes missing during training exercise: Taiwanese Army |url=http://www.asianews.eu/content/military-uav-goes-missing-during-training-exercise-taiwanese-army-31569 |website=www.asianews.eu |publisher=Asia News |accessdate=17 July 2019|date=2016-10-28 }}</ref> The Albatross has crashed three times in 2012, 2013, and 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yeh |first1=Joseph |title=Military UAV goes missing during training exercise: Taiwanese Army |url=http://www.asianews.eu/content/military-uav-goes-missing-during-training-exercise-taiwanese-army-31569 |website=www.asianews.eu |publisher=Asia News |accessdate=17 July 2019|date=2016-10-28 }}</ref>


On Jan. 24 2018, an Albatross crashed into the sea during a military exercise off of Taitung. Mechanical failure is suspected to be the cause of the crash.<ref name="Focus Taiwan 2019" >{{cite web |last1=and Evelyn Kao |first1=Wang Cheng-chung |title=Albatross drone makes first fly-over demonstration in Pingtung |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/201901240016 |website=focustaiwan.tw |publisher=Focus Taiwan |accessdate=17 January 2020}}</ref> On Jan. 24 2018, an Albatross crashed into the sea during a military exercise off of Taitung. Mechanical failure is suspected to be the cause of the crash.<ref name="Focus Taiwan 2019" >{{cite web |last1=and Evelyn Kao |first1=Wang Cheng-chung |title=Albatross drone makes first fly-over demonstration in Pingtung |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/201901240016 |website=focustaiwan.tw |publisher=Focus Taiwan |accessdate=17 January 2020}}</ref>

In May 2021 an Albatross was brought down in the waters off Taitung County by its control team after experiencing in-flight anomalies. The control crew made the decision not to risk civilian lives by attempting to return to the airport. This was believed to be the ninth crash of the Albatross since 2012.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yu-chen |first1=Chung |last2=Lu |first2=Tyson |last3=Lim |first3=Emerson |title=Taiwan-developed military drone crashes into sea |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202105210015 |website=focustaiwan.tw |publisher=Focus Taiwan |access-date=21 May 2021}}</ref>

==Albatross II==
Albatross II is an improved model developed by NCSIST and GEOSAT aerospace & technology. Its range is increased with endurance, communications range, and payload also being increased. Unlike Albatross I, it has a ]. It is compatible with ] missiles and 2.75in rockets.<ref name="Asymmetry" /> It has a reported range of 300km and a maximum loitering time of 16 hours. Artificial intelligence has also been introduced into the surveillance and tracking system.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cheung |first1=Eric |title=Taiwan unveils its new combat and surveillance drones as China threat grows |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/14/asia/taiwan-china-military-drones-unveiled-hnk-intl/index.html |website=cnn.com |publisher=CNN |access-date=14 March 2023}}</ref> It was displayed at the ] in 2023 and is approximately twice the size of Albatross I.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kajal |first1=Kapil |title=TADTE 2023: NCSIST displays new UASs |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/tadte-2023-ncsist-displays-new-uass |website=janes.com |publisher=Janes |access-date=15 September 2023}}</ref>


==Operators== ==Operators==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
*]- 32 (2014)<ref name="The Diplomat 2014">{{cite web |last1=Keck |first1=Zachary |title=Taiwan's Using Drones to Spy on China |url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/07/taiwans-using-drones-to-spy-on-china/ |website=thediplomat.com |publisher=The Diplomat |accessdate=17 July 2019}}</ref>

*]- Unknown<ref name="Focus Taiwan 2019" />
*{{TWN}}
**]- >26<ref name="Taiwan News May 2020" />
*{{MAS}} <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.upmedia.mg/news_info.php?SerialNo=6435 |title=中科院銳鳶無人機 獲馬來西亞訂單}}</ref>

===Former operators===
*{{TWN}}
**]<ref name="Taiwan News May 2020" /> 32 in service in 2014,<ref name="The Diplomat 2014">{{cite web |last1=Keck |first1=Zachary |title=Taiwan's Using Drones to Spy on China |url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/07/taiwans-using-drones-to-spy-on-china/ |website=thediplomat.com |publisher=The Diplomat |accessdate=17 July 2019}}</ref> transferred to the Republic of China Navy.<ref name="Taiwan News May 2020" />


==Specifications== ==Specifications==
{{aircraft specifications
| plane or copter? = plane
| jet or prop? = prop


=== Albatross I ===
| ref =
{{Aircraft specs
<!-- General characteristics -->
|ref=Taiwan News<ref name="Taiwan News May 2020" />
| crew =
|prime units?=met
| capacity =
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| span alt = 8.6 m |span m=8.6
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|gross weight kg=317
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<!-- Powerplant, propellor/rotor details -->
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|eng3 number=
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|more power=

|prop blade number=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
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|rot number=<!-- helicopters -->
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<!--
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|max speed kmh=
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|range km=180
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|ceiling m=4000
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|fuel consumption kg/km=
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|more performance=
|avionics=
}}

=== Albatross II ===
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Focus Taiwan<ref name="Asymmetry" >{{cite web |last1=Lin |first1=Sean |title=FEATURE/Asymmetrical warfare focus has Taiwan drone companies upping the ante |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/sci-tech/202209100016 |website=focustaiwan.tw |publisher=Focus Taiwan |access-date=10 September 2022}}</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
General characteristics
-->
|capacity=
|length m=
|length note=
|span m=
|span note=
|height m=
|height note=
|wing area sqm=
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=
|eng1 name=
|eng1 type=
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 note=
|power original=
|thrust original=
|eng1 kn-ab=<!-- afterburners -->
|eng1 lbf-ab=<!-- afterburners -->

|eng2 number=
|eng2 name=
|eng2 type=
|eng2 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng2 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng2 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng2 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng2 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng2 note=
|eng2 kn-ab=<!-- afterburners -->
|eng2 lbf-ab=<!-- afterburners -->


|eng3 number=
| more general powerplant =
|eng3 name=
<!-- Performance -->
|eng3 type=
| max speed main =
|eng3 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
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|eng3 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
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|eng3 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
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|eng3 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
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|eng3 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
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|eng3 kn-ab=<!-- afterburners -->
| stall speed alt =
|eng3 lbf-ab=<!-- afterburners -->
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| never exceed speed main =
| never exceed speed alt =
| range main = 180 km
| range alt =
| range more =
| combat radius main=
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| combat radius more=
| ferry range main =
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| endurance = 12 hours
| ceiling main =
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<!-- Armament -->
| armament = <!-- If you want to use the following specific parameters, do not use this line at all -->
| guns =
| bombs =
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| hardpoint rockets =
| hardpoint missiles =
| hardpoint bombs =
| hardpoint other =


|prop blade number=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
| avionics =
|prop name=
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia note=


|rot number=<!-- helicopters -->
|rot dia m=<!-- helicopters -->
|rot area sqm=<!-- helicopters -->
|rot area note=
<!--
Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=
|max speed note=
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=250
|range note=
|combat range km=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=
|ceiling m=
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading note=
|disk loading kg/m2=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=
|more performance=
|avionics=
}} }}


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* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]


==References== ==References==
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] ]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 12:55, 15 January 2024

NCSIST Albatross
Role UAVType of aircraft
Manufacturer National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology
Introduction 2007
Status In service
Primary user Republic of China Navy
Number built >32
Developed from Chung Shyang I
NCSIST Albatross, then called the Chung Shyang II UAV, being unveiled publicly in 2007
UAV 9717 on display at CKS Memorial Hall
UAV 9717 on display at No.11 Pier
Covered UAV 9728 at Chengkungling Ground with rain cover

The Albatross(Chinese: 銳鳶; pinyin: Ruì yuān,“Sharp Kite”), also known as the Chung Xiang II, is a medium unmanned aerial vehicle made by National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology. It is in service with the Republic of China Navy.

Design

The Chung Shyang II UAV can perform surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, artillery spotting and battle damage assessment sorties for the military and perform other duties such as border patrol, and aerial reconnaissance for various government agencies. It can also be used as air communication relay and carry out disaster assessment during times of disasters.

The Albatross has a wingspan of 8 meters and a range of more than 180km. Endurance is approximately 12 hours. It carries an electro-optical payload and can operate in both day and night. In addition to its military capabilities the Albatross can also be used for civilian applications such as agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry, disaster monitoring, environmental protection, traffic control, target searching, position recognition, coastal patrol, communications relay, and hazardous terrain survey. Officials have refused to comment on whether the type can be armed.

Development

CSIST unveiled a prototype of the UAV at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition in August, 2005. CSIST began researching UAVs in 2002, which resulted in the first Chung Shyang I UAV, then later the Chung Shyang II.

Service history

In 2017 the drones were transferred from the Army Aviation and Special Forces Command to the Naval Fleet Command.

In 2019 a Navy Albatross made the types first fly-over demonstration during an exercise in Pingtung.

Following a 2019 crash the military ordered upgrades to be made across the entire Albatross fleet, by May 2020 NCSIST had completed upgrades on 26 aircraft.

Incidents

The Albatross has crashed three times in 2012, 2013, and 2016.

On Jan. 24 2018, an Albatross crashed into the sea during a military exercise off of Taitung. Mechanical failure is suspected to be the cause of the crash.

In May 2021 an Albatross was brought down in the waters off Taitung County by its control team after experiencing in-flight anomalies. The control crew made the decision not to risk civilian lives by attempting to return to the airport. This was believed to be the ninth crash of the Albatross since 2012.

Albatross II

Albatross II is an improved model developed by NCSIST and GEOSAT aerospace & technology. Its range is increased with endurance, communications range, and payload also being increased. Unlike Albatross I, it has a synthetic aperture radar. It is compatible with Sky Sword missiles and 2.75in rockets. It has a reported range of 300km and a maximum loitering time of 16 hours. Artificial intelligence has also been introduced into the surveillance and tracking system. It was displayed at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition in 2023 and is approximately twice the size of Albatross I.

Operators

Former operators

Specifications

Albatross I

Data from Taiwan News

General characteristics

  • Length: 5.3 m (17 ft 5 in)
  • Wingspan: 8.6 m (28 ft 3 in)
  • Gross weight: 317 kg (699 lb)

Performance

  • Range: 180 km (110 mi, 97 nmi)
  • Endurance: 12 hours
  • Service ceiling: 4,000 m (13,000 ft)

Albatross II

Data from Focus Taiwan

General characteristics

Performance

  • Range: 250 km (160 mi, 130 nmi)

See also

References

  1. Ng, JR (August 2019). "Asia-Pacific Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Directory 2018". Asia Military Review: 14–27. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  2. ^ Keck, Zachary. "Taiwan's Using Drones to Spy on China". thediplomat.com. The Diplomat. Retrieved 17 July 2019.
  3. "中型中翔無人機" (in Chinese (Taiwan)). NCSIST. Archived from the original on 2022-07-19. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  4. Elaine Hou and Kuo Chung-han, Rita Cheng. "New U.S. drone sale policy could be good for Taiwan". focustaiwan.tw. Focus Taiwan. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  5. ^ and Evelyn Kao, Wang Cheng-chung. "Albatross drone makes first fly-over demonstration in Pingtung". focustaiwan.tw. Focus Taiwan. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  6. "Albatross Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems". www.ncsist.org.tw. NCSIST. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  7. Peck, Michael (2017-08-08). "Taiwan shows off UAVs". www.c4isrnet.com. C4ISR.net. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  8. SOBIE, BRENDAN. "Government-controlled CSIST unveils Chung Shyang II mock-up and hopes to develop strike version for military". www.flightglobal.com. Flight Global. Retrieved 17 July 2019.
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