Taiwan’s Apex Aviation is promoting a civilian-operated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft based on the Tecnam Aircraft P2012 SMP Sentinel.
Under the Goshawk Project, the companies have integrated and validated a sensor suite on the twin-piston, says Tecnam.
The sensors include a synthetic aperture radar as well as an electro-optical/infrared system.
“The Goshawk project embodies Apex Aviation’s vision of becoming a new breed of partner for Taiwan’s defence ecosystem – offering rapid capability build-up, cost-effective sustainment, and true force-multiplier effects for government and end-users,” says Apex chief executive Wilson Kao.
Integration, validation and training work has already been completed in Taiwan. Apex is promoting the P2012 Goshawk capability at this week’s Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition.
The aircraft is seen as a means of reducing Taiwan’s reliance on traditional military ISR and supporting the country’s response to the ‘gray-zone’ tactics of neighbouring China, which mounts regular incursions into the air and sea around Taiwan.
