Ababeel
Ababeel is a small aerial target drone developed by SATUMA of Pakistan, built for target practice and for missile evaluation and testing.
Overview
Ababeel is one of three aircraft in SATUMA's dedicated target-drone family, alongside the delta-wing Thunder and the maneuvering Saad, according to SATUMA's product listing. SATUMA markets Ababeel specifically as a platform for target practice and for the evaluation and testing of missile systems, positioning it as a low-cost, expendable aerial target rather than a reconnaissance or strike UAV.
As the smallest of SATUMA's target drones, Ababeel is designed for simple, low-cost operation: it is hand-launched and recovered by belly landing, without the need for a runway or dedicated recovery equipment, per SATUMA's product page.
Design and capabilities
Ababeel measures 1.27 m in length with a 1.575 m wingspan and has a maximum take-off weight of 3 kg, according to SATUMA. It is powered by a 10cc, two-stroke, single-cylinder piston engine, giving it a top speed of 175 km/h. SATUMA lists an endurance of 15 minutes (0.25 hours) and an operating range of 1.5 km, consistent with a hand-launched, line-of-sight target platform. SATUMA's product page does not state a payload capacity or service ceiling for Ababeel.
Operational history
SATUMA lists Ababeel as a current item in its target-drone catalogue. SATUMA's company history states the firm established Pakistan's first UAV squadron for the Pakistan Air Force in 2003 and describes the Pakistan Air Force as its principal customer, but SATUMA's public materials do not name a specific operator, introduction date, or documented deployment for the Ababeel model itself. The specifications above come from SATUMA's own product page; no independent trade-press coverage of Ababeel specifically was found during this research.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ababeel drone used for?
SATUMA markets Ababeel as an aerial target drone for target practice and for missile evaluation and testing.
How is the Ababeel launched and recovered?
It is hand-launched and recovered by belly landing, according to SATUMA's product specifications.
What are the Ababeel's key specifications?
SATUMA lists a length of 1.27 m, a wingspan of 1.575 m, and a maximum take-off weight of 3 kg.
How fast is the Ababeel and how long can it fly?
SATUMA states a top speed of 175 km/h with an endurance of 15 minutes (0.25 hours) and a range of 1.5 km.
What engine does the Ababeel use?
It is powered by a 10cc, two-stroke, single-cylinder piston engine, per SATUMA.
Who makes the Ababeel?
Ababeel is made by SATUMA of Pakistan, alongside the company's Thunder and Saad target-drone models.
