IMPACT Drones has introduced a working prototype of a new high-speed interceptor drone, with the company’s co-founders claiming it was built in just two weeks.
The “SABLE” interceptor is designed to chase down targets over long ranges, with the drone featuring a delta-wing build similar to Iran’s Shahed systems.
It is powered by a turbine engine that enables speeds of up to 750 kilometers (466 miles) per hour, according to company co-founder Alessandro Fiume.
The company said the interceptor will be positioned as an Air Defense as a Service offering, which means interested clients can gain access to SABLE systems for drone defense without having to directly buy and maintain them themselves.
“As incoming drones become cheaper and faster, air defense needs to catch up,” IMPACT Drones CEO Jasper Lortije said on social media.
Core Features and Specifications
The SABLE prototype’s two-week production timeline has raised questions about the interceptor’s core capabilities, mainly its control and guidance method.
With no other technical details disclosed, military experts have pointed out that if SABLE requires standard communications with a human operator throughout a mission, then the interceptor is just a “very fast remote controlled aircraft.”
Vaclav Janda, managing director of Czech defense firm DOMINENTIS, said the real question is whether the drone can detect a target and determine genuine threat from false targets.
He adds that SABLE must be able to integrate with command-and-control systems and feature some combination of advanced sensors to be considered a fully functional drone interceptor system.
Fiume has indicated the maiden flight of SABLE is scheduled soon, potentially offering a first official look at the interceptor’s full capabilities in action.
