Skeldar V-200 reaches test programme milestones

Saab has revealed that its Skeldar V-200 vertical lift unmanned aerial system (UAS) has carried out successful flight demonstrations for a number of potential customers. A range of key capabilities of the UAS have also now been verified.

The Skeldar V-200 conducted flight campaigns at different sites in the US and Sweden as part of Saab’s campaign to demonstrate the aircraft’s land and sea-based operations.

High complexity flight envelopes such as fully autonomous flights were conducted in both day and night conditions demonstrating convoy shadowing capability, EO/IR sensor utilisation, and precision landing. The UAS also demonstrated tactical hand-over between ground control stations (GCS) for long range missions using Saab’s flexible stationary and mobile GCS.

A heavy fuel engine has also now been verified through extensive flight trials and an upgraded next generation version of the original design aviation fuel engine has been delivered and is now cleared for flight test.

Built-in contingency behaviours in case of link loss have also been confirmed, including autonomous navigation in accordance to predefined parameters as well as auto landing and shut down.

Mikael Franzén, director of Tactical UAS, Saab, said: ‘The Skeldar V-200 has passed yet another important milestone in the programme with these key capabilities verified and demonstrated to various customers.

‘The combination of two alternative engine types, a modular payload design, and the ability to incorporate and utilise a variety of data link systems, provides a true multi-mission capability for the Skeldar V-200 and a flexibility that enables the customer to successfully meet their mission objectives on land or at sea.’