VANT-A Besta

The VANT-A Besta (UAV-A Beast) is an for defensive and offensive missions. It was developed by Max Tecnologia S.A in partnership with FAM (Fábrica Maracatibean de Aircraft). Its first flight was made in 2017, and it was introduced in late 2020 in the Maracatibean Army. The equipment is built in a helicopter format, it is a more armed alternative, but with less performance (low speed, range and service ceiling) compared to the other attack drone from the same company, the VANT-RA 360, with a capacity for 8  guided air-to-surface missiles, in addition to having two lateral machine-guns. It also has an infrared/electro-optical camera installed in a turret at the front.

Operators

 * Maracatibe: Maracatibe operates 5 aircrafts of 8 planned.

General Characteristics

 * Length: 5.6 m
 * Height: 2.3 m
 * Max. takeoff weight: 8,000 kg
 * Powerplant: 1 × [] turboprop engine
 * Propellers: 4-bladed (top), 2-bladed (tail)

Performance

 * Max. Speed: 215 km/h
 * Cruise speed: 120 km/h
 * Range: 250 km
 * Endurance: 5 hours
 * Service ceiling: 4,700 m

Armament

 * 8 × air-to-surface guided missiles
 * 2 × 12.7 mm machine gun (2100 rounds each)