Alpha Unmanned Systems

Alpha Unmanned Systems, SL., is an aeronautical engineering company that manufactures tactical fuel-powered helicopter UAVs. Founded in 2014 and based in Madrid, Alpha’s team of professionals builds and designs helicopter UAV systems that are the unmanned platform of choice for maritime security, border control, infrastructure inspection and other critical surveillance missions.

With product sales to the US DoD, the Indonesian Coast Guard, Hellenic Navy and leading defense clients in more than 12 countries, Alpha’s helicopters fill an important market niche; small tactical fuel-powered helicopter UAVs that are reliable and versatile for multi-mission use.

Fully autonomous, Alpha’s helicopter UAVs can fly up to 4 hours and carry payloads up to 4 kg, including some of the world’s most sophisticated electronic sensors for defense and civilian applications. Alpha is ISO9001 certified and its A900 platform is built “STANAG-Compliant” with fully redundant critical systems.

Alpha Unmanned Systems covers the full engineering value chain for its tactical fuel-powered helicopter UAVs and flight control systems. Working closely with large defense companies, Alpha also offers Advanced Engineering Services and manufactures critical UAV subsystems for use with any unmanned platform.

Helicopter UAVs

Alpha 900 – Rotary Wing UAV

STANAG-compliant helicopter UAV for maritime surveillance & border control

The Alpha 900 is a fuel-powered helicopter UAV designed specifically to excel under challenging maritime conditions. With an MTOW of less than 25 kg, the STANAG 4738-compliant platform can automatically take-off from and land on the deck of a moving ship, and also features robust weather-proofing.

This versatile maritime UAV platform can carry up to 4kg, and features a main and secondary payload bay, as well as external hard points.

The A900 is the ideal choice for maritime ISR and coastal security missions where a minimal logistics footprint, ease of operation, and tactical flexibility are required.

Learn more: Alpha 900 Helicopter UAV>

Alpha 800 – Compact Rotary Wing UAV

Versatile helicopter UAV for military & civil applications

The Alpha 800 is a versatile multi-mission helicopter drone with a minimal logistics footprint and low maintenance requirements. This highly reliable system can be transported in a pick-up truck or van, and can be set up and airborne in minutes.

The fuel-powered helicopter UAV carries up to 3kg and can be equipped for a wide range of civilian and military applications, including surveillance, mapping, infrastructure inspection, and search and rescue.

Learn more: Alpha 800 UAV Helicopter >

UAS Control Stations

Vessel-Based Control System

Portable tracking antenna system for long-range maritime UAV communications

Our vessel-based control system (VCS) uses dual-antenna GNSS and a high-gain gyrostabilized tracking antenna to provide reliable long-range encrypted communications between UAVs and Command & Control Centers. Multiple datalink options are available providing ranges of up to 50 km.

The system includes two rugged laptops for UAV and payload control, as well as an IP67-rated handheld joystick that enables control via Ethernet at distances of up to 40 metres from the control room.

Learn more: Vessel-Based Control System >

G-Case Duo UAS Ground Control Station

Portable Ground Control Station with dual screens & rugged carry case

The G-Case Duo is a portable UAS Ground Control Station designed for use by two operators. The rugged and easy-to-deploy system is housed within a waterproof Pelican case, and features two sunlight-readable 15” HD screens for unmanned vehicle and payload control.

The G-Case Ground Control Station can be equipped with different antenna systems to provide communication ranges of up to 50 kilometers. Up to four UAVs, UGVs or USVs can be controlled simultaneously, and telemetry and video data is transmitted via an encrypted MIMO link.

Learn more: G-Case Duo UAS GCS >

Alpha Target Systems

Our unmanned aerial targets, based on proven Alpha platforms, allow defense forces to train realistically and effectively against a simulated manned helicopter threat with a variety of advanced weapon systems, including Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD), Surface to Air Missiles (SAM), and Air to Air (AA) systems.

Providing a slow-moving target that can hover and fly vertically, our robust aerial targets offer up to 4 hours of autonomous flight, and are capable of automatic VTOL operation from moving vessels. They can be equipped with a variety of payloads, including:

• Radar Enhancement & Cross-Section Amplification – both active and passive payloads
• IR Enhancement System – flares that provide the heat signature of a full-size helicopter
• MDI Scoring – used to count small projectiles or as a scalar MDI for larger projectiles and missiles
• Visibility Enhancement – allows target drones to be detected and tracked more easily via radar, infrared, or visual methods
• Laser Reflecting Mirrors – enables precise targeting and simulation of real combat scenarios

Services

Payload Integration

We can provide precisely-engineered payload integration to suit your exact requirements, covering all aspects of mechanical, electrical and communications engineering as well as thorough testing. Options include high-resolution cameras, infrared thermal imagers, multispectral sensors, LiDAR scanners, magnetometers, altimeters, transponders, AIS transceivers and more.

UAV Maintenance

We offer a full maintenance and service program that covers everything from minor repairs to complete overhauls, ensuring that your UAVs continue to fly safely and at full efficiency. Systems can be sent to our facilities in Madrid, or our fully qualified technicians can visit you on site.

UAS Training

Our comprehensive training programs for Alpha unmanned helicopters include online courses as well as on-site training at our facilities, providing users with the knowledge and skills required to plan and execute automated missions. Additional BVLOS and advanced maintenance training modules are also available.

Applications

ISR

Our fuel-powered helicopter UAVs are designed to provide the very best in unmanned ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), providing critical situational awareness data for tactical advantage and better decision-making.

Border Control

Alpha rotary-wing UAVs are ideal for frontier patrolling and border control, and multiple units can be flown together to cover wide geographical areas. Sensors can be used to detect and recognise objects such as people and vehicles, and identify details at long range.

Maritime Surveillance

Our helicopter UAVs are the ideal maritime surveillance platform, providing support for naval vessels and coast guard personnel as well as oil rigs and commercial fishing operations. With automated take-off and landing capabilities, they can effectively operate from moving ships with limited deck space.

Infrastructure Inspection

With long endurance and large payload capacities, Alpha helicopter UAVs are highly suited to infrastructure inspection missions on land or at sea. Survey electric transmission lines, pipelines, bridges, critical facilities, and respond to natural disasters rapidly.