Skeldar V-200 Maritime Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Sweden

Skeldar V-200 Maritime is a medium-range vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by the Saab Group. The UAV, capable of being launched from the deck of any vessel, delivers real-time intelligence and surveillance. Skeldar V-200 is a more cost-effective alternative to conventional helicopters used in surveillance missions.

The Skeldar V-200 development began in 2004. The Skeldar 5 POC prototype completed its maiden flight in May 2006. The development version was designated as Skeldar V-200 in 2008. It is being offered for the US Navy ISR programme. The US Navy plans to equip some of its Arleigh Burke Class destroyers with either VTOL or fixed-wing platforms.

The Skeldar V-200's major mission capabilities include surveillance, reconnaissance, target attainment and transfer of target data to strike platforms. The UAV is also used for instant battle damage assessment and control of indirect fire. It can be occasionally used for logistics support and ship-to-ship or ship-to-land transfers in rough weather conditions.

Compact layout design and features of the Skeldar unmanned aerial vehicle

Designed based on the CybAero APID 55 airframe, the Skeldar V-200 features a compact layout with segments for accommodating various payload reconfigurations. The equipment compartments are easily accessible through panels. The vertically launched UAV requires no launch or recovery equipment.

The aircraft is equipped with integrated brakes to control the revolution of the rotors. The main rotor can be rapidly dismounted for storage and maintenance. The UAV is capable of flying in a hovering mode and moving slowly, or with high speed in any direction to penetrate enemy lines. It also complies with the national aviation regulations.

Skeldar V-200 has a length of four metres, width of 1.2m and a height of 1.3m. The rotor diameter is 4.7m. The UAV can carry a maximum payload weight of 40kg.

Mission payloads of the Skeldar V-200 Maritime

Skeldar V-200 has a dual payload capability and is also offered with various COTS payloads for specific missions. The payloads can be configured according to the mission requirements. The open architecture allows the integration of future payloads.

The typical payload configuration includes EO/IR gimbals, a laser pointer, laser range finder (LRF), synthetic aperture radar (SAR), ground moving target indicator (GMTI), electronic warfare, AIS transponder, searchlight, megaphone and cargo hook.

UAV control station (UCS) of Saab Group's Skeldar V-200 Maritime

The UAV control station (UCS) can be integrated into the operator consoles and combat management systems of a ship. The operator console includes a mission computer display for managing missions, payload control and handling. Integrated flight panels are provided for controlling and monitoring the UAV's operation. The console also includes the redundant flight safety critical computers.

Skeldar V-200 can be operated by two to four personnel, including the UCS operator. The system can be controlled by the shipboard crew, avoiding the requirement of having a dedicated UAV crew. The operator can use Point-and-Fly or Point-and-See techniques to guide the UAV towards a destination or surveillance target.

Once the route is set, the UAV will autonomously fly towards the target point through the assigned way points and deliver real-time data to the control station and remote video terminals.

Navigation and communications of the medium-range VTOL UAV

The avionics suite aboard the Skeldar UAV includes a redundant flight critical computer, redundant GPS receivers, redundant inertia navigation systems (INS), a radar altimeter and an air data system. It supports fully autonomous flight operations of the UAV.

Communications are relayed through dual command and control data link operating in L, C or S-band, as well as a sensor data link.

Engine and performance of Saab's naval Skeldar V-200 UAV

Skeldar UAV is powered by a two-cylinder, in-line, two-stroke, liquid cooled internal combustion engine. The engine is rated at 55hp and runs at a constant 6,000rpm. It is equipped with an electronic fuel injection / ignition system.

The UAV can fly at a maximum altitude of 4,500m. Its maximum speed is 130km/h and endurance is five hours. The maximum take-off weight is 200kg. The mission radius is more than 100km.