Operational Role and Mission Profile

ARI-1T is primarily intended for short- to medium-range ISR missions at the tactical level. Its rotary-wing configuration enables vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), eliminating the need for runways or launch systems. This makes it highly suitable for confined areas, forward-deployed units, and shipborne operations.

Doctrine and Concept of Operations

ARI-1T supports a wide range of missions, including:

• Border and perimeter surveillance
• Coastal and harbor monitoring
• Naval situational awareness
• Base and convoy security
• Counter-asymmetric threat reconnaissance

The system is designed to operate with minimal operator workload, executing pre-planned missions autonomously while allowing manual intervention when required.

System Architecture

The ARI-1T system consists of:

• Rotary-wing UAV platform
• Indigenous autopilot and mission computer
• Stabilized EO/IR gimbal payload
• 15 km line-of-sight data link
• Portable Ground Control Station (GCS)

All subsystems are developed with ASELSAN’s proprietary avionics and software infrastructure.

Survivability and Safety Concept

As a mini-class UAV, ARI-1T does not feature physical armor or active protection systems. Survivability is enhanced through:

• Automatic Return-to-Home (RTH) mode
• Autonomous emergency procedures
• Stable hover and precision navigation capabilities

Precision, Responsiveness, and Coverage

The helicopter-type design allows persistent hover over a target area, providing high-quality observation of static and moving targets. With a 15 km control and video link, ARI-1T delivers effective coverage for tactical ISR missions.

Integration and System Ecosystem

ARI-1T is designed to integrate with ASELSAN’s broader ISR and command-and-control ecosystem. Real-time video and telemetry are transmitted to the GCS. Details regarding integration with third-party C4ISR systems have not been publicly disclosed.

Advantages and Limitations Against Modern Threats

Key Advantages

• VTOL capability without launch infrastructure
• Shipborne take-off and landing
• Long endurance for its class
• Combined daylight and thermal imaging

Limitations

• Limited payload capacity due to mini-class design
• No publicly disclosed armed configuration
• Electronic warfare resistance details not publicly available

Variants and Upgrades

No officially announced variants, blocks, or armed versions of ARI-1T have been disclosed in open sources. The system is believed to support modular payload and software upgrades.

Operational Use and Deployment

Public sources do not specify the number of systems produced or fielded, nor confirmed end users. ARI-1T has been presented by ASELSAN as an operationally ready system in demonstrations and exhibitions.

Detailed Technical Information

Dimensions and Weight

• Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW): 38 kg
• Payload Capacity: Up to 3 kg

Propulsion and Power

• Rotary-wing (helicopter-type) configuration
• Engine type and fuel system: Not publicly disclosed

Performance

• Endurance: Up to 2 hours
  • Operating Altitude:
  • Density altitude: 2,000 ft
• Maximum altitude above sea level: 10,000 ft
• Data and Video Link Range: 15 km

Sensors and Detection Capabilities

• Stabilized EO/IR gimbal
• Daylight camera
• Thermal imaging camera

Target Detection and Tracking

• Real-time detection and tracking via EO/IR sensors
• Automatic target tracking capability: Limited public information

Engagement and Fire Control

• Unarmed system
• Integrated laser range finder for accurate distance measurement

Command, Control, and Data Links

• Portable Ground Control Station
• Tripod-mounted ground data link unit
• Real-time video and telemetry transmission

Electronic Warfare Resistance

ECCM and electronic protection features: Not publicly disclosed

Deployment and Mobility

• Rapid setup and deployment
• Operable from land vehicles or fixed positions
• Capable of take-off and landing on moving naval platforms

Personnel and Operation

• Required operator crew size: Not publicly disclosed
• Fully autonomous mission execution reduces manpower requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ARI-1T used for?

• ARI-1T is used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and situational awareness missions, providing real-time intelligence to tactical units.

What is its operational range?

• The system has a video and telemetry range of up to 15 km, suitable for tactical-level operations.

What types of targets can it detect?

• ARI-1T can detect personnel, vehicles, small surface vessels, and fixed installations using its EO/IR payload.

Can it operate from ships?

• Yes. ARI-1T is designed to take off and land on moving maritime platforms, making it suitable for naval ISR missions.

Is ARI-1T fully autonomous?

• Yes. Mission planning, take-off, navigation, mission execution, and recovery can all be performed autonomously.

Is the system armed?

• No armed configuration of ARI-1T has been publicly disclosed. The system is focused on ISR missions.

How does it differ from similar systems?

• Its rotary-wing design, naval compatibility, and ASELSAN-developed avionics and software architecture distinguish ARI-1T from comparable mini UAVs.

Sources

• ASELSAN official product information and promotional materials
• ASELSAN public exhibition and defense fair presentations
• ARI-1T product introduction material dated 08.02.2022