The UMS Skeldar V-200 is a medium-range helicopter and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) developed by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. The Skeldar can be used for surveillance, intelligence gathering, light cargo transportation, and electronic warfare.
| Skeldar V-200 | |
|---|---|
| |
| V-200 | |
| Role | UAV helicopter |
| Manufacturer | UMS Skeldar |
The Skeldar is a derivative of CybAero’s APID 55 UAV system, and its development started in 2005.[1] In June 2006 the Skeldar V-150 was unveiled at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris, France.[2] The Skeldar V-200 is the designation for the developed version of the system.[3]
The Skeldar V-200 can take-off and land on an area of 15×15 meters. Take-off and landings can be made autonomously.
Skeldar V-200 is modular in the sense that payloads can be changed depending on the mission characteristics, for example it can be equipped with laser pointers, range finders, electro-optical & infrared (EO/IR) 3D mapping, a light cargo hook and SIGINT (Signals Intelligence).[4]
The Skeldar V-200 can be operated in both in land and naval operations, by 2–4 people. A UAS Control Station can be integrated into a ground-vehicle such as an APC or truck.[5]
For naval operations the control station can be integrated into a ship's normal operator consoles and combat management systems.[6]
In 2009 Saab partnered with Swiss UAV to jointly develop and market three VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) designs: the Skeldar V-200 and Swiss UAV's Neo S-300 and Koax X 240. The three systems can be controlled from a Saab common ground control station.[7]
In the end of 2015 Saab partnered with UMS and created the company UMS Skeldar.[8]
In September 2018, UMS Skeldar V-200B was selected by the German Navy for use on board K130 Braunschweig class corvettes.[9]
The Royal Netherlands Navy and Belgian Navy Component will use the V-200 on their future MCMV's (mine countermeasure vessels), of which the first will be operational in 2024.[10]
Belgium
Canada
Spain
Germany
Indonesia
NetherlandsSource: Saab Skeldar V-200 Technical specifications[15][16]
Length: 4.031 m (13.23 ft)
Width: 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in)
Height: 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in)
Main Rotor Diameter: 4.6 m (15 ft)
Max takeoff weight: 245 kg (540 lb)
Max takeoff altitude: 2,400 m (7,900 ft)
Payload: 40 kg (88 lb)
Maximum speed: 140 km/h (87 mph)
Mission radius: 100 km (62 mi)
Endurance: +6 hours
Power rating: 55 hp (41 kW)
Service ceiling: 3,000 m (9,800 ft)
Takeoff preparation time: <15 min
