Carbon fiber composite materials are widely utilized in the defense and aviation sectors due to their unique properties, including lightweight, high strength, rigidity, heat resistance, and corrosion resistance. With the increasing prevalence of drones, researchers are exploring the application of carbon fiber composite materials in drone exteriors to reduce weight more effectively. As drone materials, carbon fiber composite materials primarily aim to meet two requirements: lightweight and high strength. The density of carbon fiber composite materials is only 1.7 g/cm³, less than 1/4 of steel, and half the density of lightweight aluminum. In comparison to other materials, carbon fiber composite materials can integrate drones into a unified whole, reducing the number of components. Drones made with carbon fiber materials weigh approximately 25%-30% less than those made with traditional materials, achieving weight reduction. Additionally, they possess greater strength and rigidity, significantly lowering the overall weight and payload costs of drones. This is crucial for ensuring lightweight, compact, and high-performance drone structures, allowing for longer flight distances and times. In contrast to traditional military methods relying on manned aircraft or missiles, which involve high risks, costs, and low effectiveness, carbon fiber drones present new military tools with several advantages:
1.High-Speed, Efficient, High-Definition Military Operations: Carbon fiber drones can execute various military tasks, such as reconnaissance, surveillance, communication, anti-submarine operations, electronic interference, and armed attacks, in the air. They can transmit real-time images and data, facilitating analysis and decision-making at command centers. They can also assist manned aircraft or ground forces in combat, enhancing military efficiency and quality.
2.Reduced Military Costs and Risks: Carbon fiber drones can replace or reduce the number and frequency of manned aircraft or missiles, saving manpower and resources and decreasing military costs. These drones can operate in hazardous environments, including hostile airspace, complex terrain, and high-risk targets, thereby avoiding the loss and risk associated with manned aircraft or missiles and enhancing military safety.
3.Expanded Military Scope and Field: Carbon fiber drones can conduct military operations in vast areas and various domains, covering regions that traditional military methods may find challenging. They can improve military coverage and effectiveness. Depending on different military tasks and objectives, carbon fiber drones can select appropriate models and equipment, enhancing military specificity and professionalism.
Several examples illustrate the military use of drones:
In January 2020, the U.S. military used the MQ-9 “Reaper” drone, carrying Hellfire missiles, to conduct a targeted strike against Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, eliminating a significant threat to the United States.
In October 2020, Azerbaijan extensively used the TB2 attack drone provided by Turkey in the military conflict with Armenia. The drone precisely struck Armenian tanks, armored vehicles, and air defense systems, destroying over 600 significant targets and gaining the initiative in the war.
In 2017, the U.S. exported 22 MQ-9B “Sea Guardian” drones to India, enhancing India’s maritime situational awareness capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.
In 2019, China showcased the “Rainbow 5” drone, a large, long-range, high-altitude drone capable of carrying various weapons and sensors, demonstrating strong combat capabilities and adaptability.
Regarding military drones that carry ammunition and self-destruct, these drones can carry explosives or warheads and automatically destroy themselves after attacking a target. Their advantages include reducing casualties, improving strike efficiency, and lowering costs, making them suitable for assaulting and disrupting enemy air defense systems, radar systems, and critical targets. However, these drones have the drawback of being disposable, incapable of recovery, and may cause environmental pollution. Examples include Israel’s Harpy drone designed for autonomous attacks on radar systems, the U.S. XQ-58 Valkyrie drone with stealth capabilities, China’s Rainbow-3 drone with a self-destructive cruise missile, and the UK’s Taranis drone, a high-tech stealth drone designed for intelligence gathering, monitoring, and reconnaissance in enemy airspace.
The continued development of military drone technology, incorporating advanced materials such as carbon fiber composites, demonstrates ongoing advancements in enhancing the capabilities and effectiveness of modern warfare.
