The Polish Armament Agency signed a framework agreement with Poland’s WB Group at MSPO 2023 on 5 September for the delivery of almost 1,700 of the newest variant of Fly Eye mini-uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV). Deliveries should be completed by 2025.

The Fly Eye mini-UAV has been delivered to the Polish armed forces since 2010. The system, developed and manufactured by WB Group and based wholly on Polish technology, has been used to address high-intensity conflict scenarios since 2015.

The newest Fly Eye variant presented by WB Group at MSPO 2023 is one of the few UAVs in its class to be able to operate without the support of global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs), or in conditions of GNSS spoofing, thanks to navigational algorithms developed by WB Group companies, which work in tandem with an inertial navigation system.

The Fly Eye mini-UAV as exhibited by WB Group at MSPO 2023. (Photo: G Sobczak)

Generally unlike other mini-UAVs, the newest Fly Eye is also equipped with a Mode S transponder, which was developed by WB Group and miniaturised enough to fit inside the Fly Eye. The use of a Mode S transponder makes it possible to operate the Fly Eye in controlled airspace together with other military and civil aircraft.

The Fly Eye is fully integrated with the Topaz fire control and command system used by all artillery systems in Polish service. The UAV is also integrated with the PERAD communication system and U-GATE personal command and surveillance system. Through this the Fly Eye can be used to relay radio communication signals, significantly extending the operational range of low-power radios.

Through integration with the ATAK system, the Fly Eye can also facilitate regular smartphone being used as graphic terminals for the receipt of imagery.

Grzegorz Sobczak