An Israel-based defense company has launched an armed version of its ROOSTER hybrid drone, this time equipping the rolling-and-flying system with a precision-guided warhead meant for confined urban and subterranean combat.
The upgraded ROOSTER — which stands for RObotic Observation System for Tactical Engagement and Reconnaissance — from Robotican has been used primarily as an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform.
Source: Robotican
However, the new 0.6-pound warhead payload feature now enables the hybrid unmanned aerial system (UAS) to operate as a loitering munition capable of conducting strikes within buildings, tunnels and other environments that have previously been thought to be inaccessible for drones.
This capability, according to the company, will enable the upgraded device to conduct surgical strikes inside structures with a compact, intelligent platform that reduces risk to operators and surrounding civilians.
Like its earlier iteration, the upgraded ROOSTER also features a protective cage that enables it to roll across the ground, climb stairs and navigate narrow corridors, while rotors enable flight when the device encounters obstacles.
Additionally, the armed ROOSTER features artificial intelligence (AI) tools for object detection, autonomous target tracking and locking. The system can reportedly enable operators to designate a target that the drone can automatically follow and fix onto it.
Weighing 3.5 lb, the ROOSTER can reportedly transport 0.6 lb of modular payloads, including spectral and thermal cameras, oxygen and radiation sensors as well as the precision-guided warhead
