UMS SKELDAR’s flagship SKELDAR V-200 tactical rotary UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) has achieved successful automatic take-off and landing from a naval vessel. The achievement was announced at the international defence exhibition IDEX 2021.
Up to this point, the UAV platforms have been operated in an assisted mode, with a crew manually overseeing take-off and landing via a joystick or computer control. With this achievement, both take-off and landing can be performed through the simple press of a button. The aircraft uses a laser altimeter and GPS combination to track its location and calculate the required altitude reduction, allowing for a smooth and safe landing.
In addition to this new ATOL capability, UMS SKELDAR continues to further develop both software and hardware to ensure continued improvement and maximum capability for customers.
David Willems, UMS SKELDAR’s VP Business Development and Strategy, commented: “This latest milestone for UMS SKELDAR is a real first: it is unique to our company and it has never before been achieved in a military setting. The SKELDAR V-200 was conceived as a maritime platform and this exciting achievement secures its place as the first choice for Navy commanders.”
“We are focused on the continued improvement of both SKELDAR UAV platforms. Our ongoing modernisation programmes aim to not only review the platforms’ capabilities, but also analyse customer requirements with a view to increasing the service suite we provide alongside.”
