Hirth Motors 3503 EFI engine flying in Saab Skeldar V-200 VTOL
Goebler-Hirthmotoren KG (Hirth Motors) has been working with Saab on the propulsion system for Saab’s Skeldar V-200 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
Hirth is supplying their 3503 EFI engine which is a 625cc water cooled in-line 2-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection (EFI) producing 60 hp (44 kW). This is the same engine that has been successfully marketed to the global sport aviation market and has been specifically upgraded for the demanding requirements of helicopter applications.
Saab has been successfully flying this engine while marketing the Skeldar for defense and civilian applications. Skeldar can take-off and land autonomously in a narrow area and offers several payload options depending on the mission requirements.
Payload capability is 40 kg and max take-off weight is 200kg. It is 4m long x 1.2m wide x 1.3m high and has a maximum speed of 130km/h, range of 150km and endurance of 5hrs.
Hirth has been producing engines since 1917 and their reputation for reliable lightweight 2-stroke engines in the sport aviation market has helped expand their UAV business over the years as the global demand for UAV engines increases. Hirth currently supplies several advanced engines into this market and has been investing in facilities and personnel to support the demand.
“We were able to use our experience in the sport aviation market to respond to the critical performance requirements of helicopter UAV applications”, said Siegfried Goebler, Hirth’s CEO/Owner. “Selling engines to Saab for their Skeldar V-200 helps advance our engine technology for VTOL applications and further builds our credibility as a primary defense propulsion system provider”.
Source: Hirth
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.