Malaysia started an aircraft manufacturing business with the formation of CTRM (Composite Technolgy Research Malaysia) as an effort to showcase her capability in high technology activities. The Eagle XTS is of Australian design and first flew in 1998. CTRM bought the rights to manufacture the aircraft as a full Malaysian venture, designated the Eagle 150B. Sales, however, were sluggish because there were too many aircraft in that class for training and recreation and a lot cheaper, albeit of traditional aluminium metal construction. But as proof of capability it was a success.
Later in 2002 the RMAF bought three Eagle 150's to be converted as UAV platforms in cooperation with BAE Systems. It was given the name Eagle ARV and functions in both manned and unmanned mode. Again as proof of concept it was successful but for real UAV work, development of a dedicated UAV platform has to be done from the ground up. CTRM has since worked to develop a purpose-built TUAV for the RMAF. The Eagle has since been phased out from RMAF operational service.
Last update : 8 Mar, 2009
