The DRC has already received its attack aircraft
They are equipped with missiles, bombs fired at high altitude, it also has a 20 mm cannon and electro-optical cameras for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
Democratic Republic of Congo ordered “several” Mwari aircraft from the South African defense firm Paramount Group, according to a 2023 Sept. 13 company news release.
The purchase followed Paramount’s delivery of equipment to Mozambique, where the Mwari is already operational. According to the firm, the aircraft is designed for a wide range of missions, such as counterinsurgency, border patrol, precision strike, reconnaissance and surveillances.
The aircraft, touted as requiring a minimal logistical footprint, can operate in remote and austere environments as well as equip different payloads.
“With decades of experience in asymmetrical warfare, we’ve designed the Mwari as a tool that is not only robust but incredibly adaptable, fitting the needs of modern militaries in Africa and around the world,” Steve Griessel, the chief executive of Paramount Group, said in a statement last year.
Paramount also announced during DSEI it integrated “advanced weapons systems” on the Mwari, noting it will disclose specifics “at a later date.” Weapons testing and certification ae expected later in 2023 or in early 2024, the news release stated.
The cost-effective Mwari multirole aircraft can be deployed in border patrol, counter insurgency missions, forward air control, forward airdrop and resupply, armed reconnaissance, and electronic intelligence (ELINT) and communication intelligence (COMINT) missions. Other mission capabilities include internal security, disaster management and maritime patrol.
Mwari aircraft design details
Incorporating a twin-boom design, the Mwari aircraft features airframe constructed using meal and composite materials. The longitudinal booms at empennage feature a pair of vertical stabilisers joined by a horizontal stabiliser.
The high-wing design improves its visibility for the crew, while allowing operations from unprepared airfields. The modular design also supports the integration of different mission systems for a range of military operations.
The aircraf has a length of 10.5m, wing span of 12m and a height of 4m. The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is 3,800kg and maximum payload capacity with full fuel load will be more than 800kg.
Mwari cockpit features
The aircraft features a multi-function IFR glass cockpit, which cockpit accommodates two crew members in tandem seating layout. It can be optionally installed with Martin Baker Mk16 or Mk17 ejection seats.
The cockpit features a large vertical separation and will offer optimum view for the crew.
Armament aboard Mwari
Mwari is e armed with a 20mm cannon integrated into the fuselage. The aircraft features six wing-mounted hard points for carrying a combination of weapons.
The hard points can be added with surface-to-air missiles, rocket launchers and general-purpose bombs.
Sensor / radar equipment
The aircraft is equipped with Boeing integrated mission system for conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and light attack missions. It will feature a belly-mounted, multi-mission sensor pod.
"The aircraft is equipped with Boeing integrated mission system for conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and light attack missions."
The adaptable pod systems aboard the aircraft allows the integration of forward looking infrared (FLIR) cameras, synthetic aperture radars (SARs), active and passive electronic warfare (EW) systems, and ELINT / COMINT payloads.
Engine and landing gear
The single-pusher-engine configuration of Mwari integrates a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66B engine driving a single propeller. The flat-rated engine has a power of 710kW (950hp).
Mwari is equipped with retractable tri-cycle landing gear designed for semi-prepared and unprepared runways. The landing gear can be optionally integrated with extra-large high flotation wheels.
Mwari aircraft performance
The short take-off and landing (STOL) capability of the aircraft allows operations in small airfields with short runways or surfaces.
With full load, the aircraft requires a take-off distance of 550m. It will survive 8g and -4g loads during operations.
Mwari can operate at a maximum altitude of 31,000ft and will have a maximum cruise speed of 272kt. The maximum mission rage and ferry range of the aircraft will be 1,150nmi and 2,000nmi, respectively.
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