NCSIST Albatross
NCSIST (National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology) · Taiwan · first flew 2005 · reconnaissance aircraft
The NCSIST Albatross is a Taiwanese twin-boom pusher tactical UAV developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology for maritime surveillance and reconnaissance missions, publicly unveiled in 2005.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 5.3 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-boom tactical UAV with high-mounted straight wing
- Pusher propeller between twin tail booms
- Electro-optical and maritime surveillance sensor package in nose
The twin-boom pusher layout with a high straight wing and sensor nose pod is characteristic of medium-size tactical UAVs; the Albatross is distinguished by its Taiwanese origin and specific proportions.
Specifications
- The NCSIST Albatross has a length of 5.3 m (17 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.6 m (28 ft).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed indigenously by Taiwan's defence research institute, the Albatross was designed to provide the Republic of China military with an organic tactical surveillance capability without reliance on foreign systems. It carries electro-optical sensors for coastal and maritime patrol.
Variants
Details of specific variants are not publicly disclosed; the system has undergone incremental improvement since its introduction.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Republic of China Armed Forces for coastal surveillance and tactical reconnaissance, contributing to Taiwan's layered maritime awareness capability.
Related aircraft
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