M1730 Rövare
The M1730 Rövare (Army Crandish: "Robber" or "Raider") was an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that entered service with the Benacian Union Defence Force in II.1731 AN. Developed by the research division of Elwynn High Tech Engineering, it was an economical "one-way" platform intended to augment Benacian deep strike capabilities.
Design
The Rövare had a flying wing configuration made of moulded wood laminates and propelled by a rear-mounted two-cylinder two-stroke piston engine, giving it a maximum speed of 200 km/h and cruise speed of 144 km/h. It had an endurance of up to 5 hours and a range of 750 km. With a wingspan of 2.3 m, the Rövare had a compact overall size but still managed a useful payload of 43 kg thanks to its relatively large internal weapons bay.
This payload bay allowed the drone to be fitted with a variety of reconnaissance cameras, communications relays, and even light precision-guided munitions for targeted attack runs. In its reconnaissance role, the Rövare was designed to operate in pairs using datalinks, with one UAV designated as a "shepherd" to guide a second drone onto targets using its sensors.
However its primary role was the execution of direct attack missions, where the UAV would necessarily be expended. For these, the UAV could be loaded with high explosive charges and used in swarms of 4-6 drones to saturate enemy defences.
The Rövare's simple but ingenious design made extensive use of wood laminates and adhesives rather than expensive machined metal components. The flying wing configuration, with its seamless integration of the wing and the body, created a highly efficient aerodynamic shape with reduced drag, improved fuel efficiency, and greater maneuverability. For in-flight adjustments of course and altitude, the Rövare relied solely on its pre-programmed autopilot system and elevons, winglets, and spoilers for stability and manoeuvrability.
Power was provided by a robust 49 cc two-cylinder two-stroke piston engine, with the cylinders arranged in parallel "boxer" configuration. This allowed a very low profile installation in the rear fuselage. The engine drove a two-bladed wooden propeller. Fuel was carried in cylindrical tanks mounted in the centre section between the swept flying surfaces, giving a healthy endurance.
Production
A unique aspect was the Rövare's decentralised production model. Beginning in late 1730 AN, students attending gymnasia in Elluenuueq were obliged to commence study of the methods of fabrication required for the drone's construction. This allowed for a distributed manufacturing effort, with components produced across school workshops and then assembled at central facilities. The goal was an ambitious initial production target of 62 airframes per month during 1731 AN-1733 AN to rapidly generate numbers.
| Year | Annual output | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1731 | 259 | High rate of failure amongst initial production batches. |
| 1732 | 710 | Improvement of manufacturing processes resulted in an improved rate of acceptance into service. |
| 1733 |
Operational History
The Rövare entered front-line Benacian military service with the Aviation Forces of the Benacian Union in II.1731 AN in the midst of rising tensions with Shireroth. Early deployment saw the drones used for frontier reconnaissance and harassment missions against insurgent and dissident groups across Alalehzamin.
