Claimed to be Unique Achievement
UMS SKELDAR announced on 23 February that its V-200 UAS has achieved what the company believes is a first – the automatic take-off and landing (ATOL) of a tactical UAS from a naval vessel.
“While full ATOL capability on land is a native characteristic of the V-200, UMS SKELDAR [is] the first company to achieve this unique ATOL compliance milestone in a naval setting,“ a company statement reads, in part.
Previously, platforms have operated in assisted mode, with a crew manually overseeing take-off and landing via a joystick or computer control. Now, full ATOL capability enables both take-off and landing to be performed through pressing a single button. The platform uses a laser altimeter and GPS combination to track its location and calculate the required altitude reduction, culminating in a smooth and safe landing.
“This latest milestone […] is a real first: it is unique to our company and it has never before been achieved in a military setting. The SKELDAR V-200 was conceived as a maritime platform and this exciting achievement secures its place as the first choice for Navy commanders,” explained David Willems, VP Business Development and Strategy.
In addition to this new capability, the SKELDAR V-200 continues to undergo both software and hardware development to ensure continued improvement.“We are focused on the continued improvement of both SKELDAR UAV platforms. Our ongoing modernisation programmes aim to not only review the platforms’ capabilities, but also analyse customer requirements with a view to increasing the service suite we provide alongside,” added Willems.
