Arquimea Unveils Q-SLAM-100: A New Era in Loitering Munitions
Introduction to the Q-SLAM-100
At the recent FEINDEF exhibition, Arquimea showcased its latest innovation, the Q-SLAM-100, complementing its existing Q-SLAM-40 system. This advanced loitering munition is specifically designed for deployment from a five-canister launcher mounted on an 8×8 Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV).
Technical Specifications
The Q-SLAM-100 is engineered with a take-off weight of 12 kilograms, which includes a warhead weighing approximately 4 kilograms. The loitering munition adopts a canister-launch architecture, housed within a rectangular container that doubles as its launcher. Key features include:
- Wing Design:
- Rear wings fold forward
- Front wings fold rearward
- Vertical fin hinges downward
- Propeller blades fold back
- Wingspan: 2.24 meters
Payload and Configurability
Positioned at the fore of the munition is a gimbal assembly featuring four optical windows, equipped with:
- Two visible spectrum cameras
- One uncooled thermal imaging sensor
- A laser rangefinder
The warhead, a shaped charge designed for penetrating armored vehicles and fortified structures, occupies the front section of the fuselage, which is slightly larger than the rear. Arquimea emphasizes its flexibility, offering customization for warhead types compatible with the Q-SLAM-100’s specifications.
Importantly, this loitering munition is not strictly a suicide device; its enhanced optronic suite enables intelligence-gathering capabilities. The integration of the DeepArq AI platform facilitates collaborative flight operations, autonomous decision-making, and sophisticated situational awareness, including object recognition and threat assessment.
Operational Control Features
The operator maintains comprehensive command over the munition, with options to arm, disarm, or detonate the warhead at will. Notably, the Q-SLAM-100 can be employed to counter drone threats by allowing the operator to trigger an explosion when in proximity to a target.
Recovery and Repair Considerations
Should a mission conclude without engaging the warhead, the Q-SLAM-100 can return to friendly lines and perform a controlled crash landing, contingent on the operator ensuring the warhead fuse is disarmed. However, the system is not optimized for rapid re-deployment; post-landing, it will typically require logistical support to restore functionality.
Performance Metrics
The Q-SLAM-100 utilizes a rear-mounted electric motor that drives a two-blade propeller, reportedly not reliant on batteries. Its endurance exceeds two hours and it boasts a commendable operational range of 60 kilometers. Key performance metrics include:
- Cruise Speed: 100 km/h
- Attack Speed: Up to 160 km/h
- Operational Wind Resistance: 44 km/h
The munition is equipped with an anti-jam system, although it can revert to the launch area if the GNSS signal is compromised. In the event of lost communication with its ground control station, the Q-SLAM-100 will ascend to regain contact; failing which, it will ultimately ground itself once power is exhausted.
Production and Future Developments
Arquimea’s current production capacity stands at 1,000 units of the Q-SLAM-100 per month, a figure poised for escalation under wartime conditions. Plans for future enhancements are already underway, including the Q-SLAM-200, which will feature catapult launch capabilities, greater endurance exceeding three hours, a 6 kg warhead, and improved speed profiles.
Training Simulators and Support
To enhance operational readiness, Arquimea will provide simulators for all its munitions, including the Q-SLAM-40 in an unarmed configuration, facilitating training for personnel poised to operate these systems.
Conclusion
The Q-SLAM-100 represents a significant step forward in loitering munition technology, combining advanced features with operational flexibility. As military engagement evolves, systems like the Q-SLAM-100 will likely play a pivotal role in shaping battlefield dynamics and enhancing tactical effectiveness.
