Saab launches unmanned helicopter

Posted on: Jun. 13th, 2006 || Source: saabgroup.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

Saab launches unmanned helicopter

Saabs launches a new UAV system at the Eurosatory exhibition called Skeldar V-150. It is a versatile, easily handled, and cost effective system, developed for military as well as civil use.

"The demand for advanced UAV systems is growing on both civil and military markets, and with Skeldar V-150 we have developed a product in a segment with few competitors", says Lennart Sindahl, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at Saab Aerosystems. "The system fulfils every requirement that can be put on a modern UAV system."

Skeldar V-150 is currently in final testing and Saab expects the system to be put in operational use mid 2007.

A base version of the system contains of two VTOL UAVs (Vertical Take Off and Landing), a control station, and EO/IR payloads. Additional payloads can be integrated, like SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar), and EW suite. That makes Skeldar V-150 a complete system for a variety of missions, but also a good complement to the fixed wing UAV Saab intends to develop.

The system is designed to support military as well as civil operations, national and international missions, and day and night operations. It could for example be used for target acquisition and designation, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.

Just as the Gripen, the Skeldar V-150 is designed to be easy-to-use and facilitating very short turn-around times. It is an advanced autonomous system with full capability of autonomous operation from take-off to landing.

Saab is today in close co-operation with Swedish Airworthiness Authorities actively working with the development and establishing of procedures, processes and regulations for certification and use of UAVs. Certification for flight in integrated air space is the natural path of development for Skeldar V-150.

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