Boeing and the Paramount Group, the largest privately owned defence and aerospace business in Africa, have agreed to cooperate on an advanced mission system for a variant of the Advanced High Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft (AHRLAC). The move expands an agreement signed between the two companies in 2014.

A high-wing, two-seat aircraft, AHRLAC is designed to incorporate advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and weapons systems. Boeing will develop an integrated mission system for the aircraft enabling ISR and light strike missions for the AHRLAC safety & security, and military variants.

This militarised version will be known as Mwari. The name is taken from African mythology and originated in Southern Africa, where it is regarded by some tribes as an omnipotent, all-seeing being. The aircraft is also proposed in civil, police, training and security versions.

Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6-66b engine, the 10,5m-long AHRLAC features a maximum takeoff weight of 4,400kg and a top speed of 272kts. With full 800kg payload, it requires a takeoff distance of 550m and offers a maximum endurance of 7.5 hours.