UAV for PN - VTOL or Fixed Wing?

[XYON]

Pakistan Navy currently has tested the following type of UAV's so far;

FALCO - Fixed Wing, cannot be ship launched, requires paved runway

LUNA - Fixed Wing, can be ship launched but recovery at sea is risky

CAMCOPTER S-100 - VTOL/ Rotary, ship launch & Recovery

APID - VTOL/ Rotary, ship launch and Recovery (this UAV had crashed 20 minutes into flight from PN Frigate)

The purpose of this thread is to generate a debate on which type, VTOL or fixed wing? UAV is best for sea-operations? VTOL/ Rotary UAV although are good to launch from ships; but they have a likely high rate of failure (owing to more moving parts) at sea and are difficult to maintain. Fixed Wing UAV's are though easier to operate and maintain but have a difficult recovery process from ship-based operations.

Also keep in mind that almost all Navies of the world are using Fixed Wing UAV's for their sea-based ops. Rotary/ VTOL UAV's have yet to make a break through of induction into any Navy of the world at this stage.

 

[Zulfiqar]

CAMCOPTER S-100 - VTOL/ Rotary, ship launch & Recovery

This is a great UAV.I saw its video on the company's site.

What i would like to see is a UAV that can be launched from any sea platform so that it can support the forces whenever needed.

Camcopter can take off and land from small ships and they can be helpful for any SSG(N) operation against vital targets near shore.

Every UAV has an equal chance of being shot down so we should not keep this point in mind while deciding.

However, IIRC Camcopter has limited operational radius as compared to fixed wing platforms.

 

[nwmalik]

Sorry for the question but what is the need of UAV at high seas. No mountains or difficult terrane.