Martin UAV announces launch of V-Bat 128
The V-Bat 128 rotary-wing VTOL UAV. (Photo: Martin UAV)
Martin UAV on 30 March unveiled the latest member of its V-Bat VTOL rotary-wing UAV family.
Compared to earlier UAVs the V-Bat 128 features a heavier interchangeable payload capacity of 25lb (11.3kg) and longer mission endurance of 11h, the company claimed, adding that potential applications include SAR, firefighting and logistic resupply.
The 2.96m-wingspan V-Bat 128 can reach a speed of 90kt at a higher operational ceiling (20,000ft) than its predecessors (15,000ft according to Shephard Defence Insight). This is enabled by a more Suter TOA 288 powerful engine.
The new UAV is designed for rapid tactical deployment from a small area with assembly by two people within 30min. Martin UAV chief development officer Heath Niemi said that it ‘can be transported in the bed of a pick-up truck, or, inside a Black Hawk’.
V-Bat 128 already participated in ‘numerous missions’ during the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment in February-March 2021, Martin UAV noted.
The company added that ‘one of the impressive features noted from those involved in the exercise is the aircraft's ability to transition from take-off to a vertical hover and persistent stare capability while maintaining a sensor line of sight, in spite of difficult terrain’.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Reamda upgrades Grasshopper UGV observation mast
Reamda, an Irish engineering company with a focus on UGVs and defence applications, delivered its Riddler platformed to the Irish Defence Forces last year.
-
Roke unveils new CUAS solution
The Roke Agile CUAS has been designed to provide protection for military and civilian situations, as well as to handle swarms of UAS by using a range of sensors.
-
Russia reaches new monthly record for Lancet use in Ukraine
The aggressor’s armed forces have adapted Lancet to Ukrainian conditions via iterative developments accompanied by a significant expansion in production capacity
-
India’s pursuit of UAVs fuels domestic innovation and industrial growth
In response to escalating border tensions and the need for enhanced surveillance capabilities, the Indian Army is ramping up its drone acquisitions, reflecting the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern defence strategies.
-
Australia to adopt new predatory OWL species
The Australian Defence Force will introduce the One-Way Loitering (OWL) platform by Innovaero, the country’s first long-range loitering munition, to enhance strike capabilities and understanding of loitering munitions.
-
Dedrone’s latest uncrewed solutions offers “complete CUAS DTI-M kill chain”
DedroneOnTheMove, which integrates advanced sensor-fusion and mitigation technologies, was showcased at Eurosatory 2024 and has been designed for deployment to enhance airspace security in high-risk environments.