Seeker 400

The Seeker 400 is a tactical reconnaissance and surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Denel Dynamics of South Africa, first flown in flight tests in February 2014. It is a twin-boom, pusher-propeller aircraft about 30% larger than its predecessor, the Seeker II, built to carry a wider range of sensors for longer missions.

Design and capabilities

Denel gives the Seeker 400 a length of 5.77 m, a wingspan of 10 m and a maximum take-off weight of 450 kg, powered by a single 85 hp four-stroke piston engine turning a pusher propeller. The aircraft can carry up to 100 kg of payload, excluding fuel, and can run two sensor payloads at once — for example an electro-optical/infrared turret alongside a synthetic aperture radar or an electronic-support package. Denel states an endurance of 16 hours and a service ceiling of 18,000 ft (about 5,486 m), with a cruise speed of 150 km/h and a maximum speed of about 222 km/h.

The system is controlled over a direct line-of-sight link out to 250 km from its base station, a range the operator can extend by handing control to a forward-deployed tactical ground control station. Underwing hardpoints can carry two Impi laser-guided missiles, with a stated stand-off range of 10 km, or external fuel tanks in place of weapons. A complete system is built around four to six aircraft sharing a mission control unit and a tracking and communications unit.

Operational history

Denel Dynamics unveiled the Seeker 400 at the Africa Aerospace and Defence show in September 2008 as the newest member of its Seeker family, already naming an undisclosed launch customer at the time. The aircraft completed its first round of flight tests at the Alkantpan weapons range in South Africa's Northern Cape in February 2014, with a second round that July confirming it met its range and performance requirements with a full payload fitted.

Frequently asked questions

What is the range of the Seeker 400?

Denel states a direct line-of-sight control range of 250 km from the base station, extendable to roughly double that by relaying control through a forward tactical ground station.

How long can the Seeker 400 stay airborne?

Denel gives an endurance of up to 16 hours.

Can the Seeker 400 carry weapons?

Yes. It has underwing hardpoints for two Impi laser-guided missiles, or external fuel tanks can be fitted in their place.

Who makes the Seeker 400?

Denel Dynamics, the guided-weapons and UAV division of South Africa's state-owned Denel group.