Skeldar V-150
VTOL UAV / SAAB Aerosystems

Saab launched at Eurosatory 2006 the Skeldar V-150 lightweight unmanned
helicopter, designed for military and commercial applications. The
Skeldar is currently in final testing and is expected to be ready for
operational use by mid 2007. The maximum takeoff weight of the Skeldar
is 150kg, including 55 kg of fuel and payload. It can fly a 4 - 5 hour
mission, up to a range of 100 km, dashing at maximum speed of 100 km/h.
The basic system includes two unmanned helicopters, EO/IR payloads and a
control station. The platform can accommodate an optronic, stabilized
payload, or a SAR or various electronic sensors (ELINT, EW etc.) Saab is
working with the Swedish Airworthiness Authorities to establish the
necessary procedures and regulations to certify Skeldar UAVs to operate
in civilian airspace.
The
Skeldar is designed to take off and land vertically, and maneuver
precisely even in tight airspace. The system uses a water cooled two
cylinder, two stroke fuel injected gasoline engine located in the front
of the fuselage. The rotor system uses a Bell-Hiller configuration, with
stabilizer bar and paddles. Navigation is performed by redundant GPS and
IMU system, air data and magnetic heading indicator enabling autonomous
operation while maintaining total radio silence.
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