Defense News ,UAE :- In a groundbreaking agreement, EDGE has successfully secured a monumental contract to deliver 200 HT-100 and HT-750 unmanned helicopters to the UAE Ministry of Defence. This landmark deal stands as the largest-ever order for unmanned helicopter systems, aimed at enhancing the Ministry's Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) capabilities. The unmanned VTOL systems will be manufactured by ANAVIA, an EDGE entity based in Switzerland, renowned for its expertise in developing and producing autonomous aerial capabilities.
The HT-100 and HT-750, compact and larger respectively, serve as multi-role unmanned performance helicopters tailored for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as logistics operations. These helicopters are designed to transport heavy payloads while ensuring exceptional flight stability, thereby setting a new standard for autonomous flying capabilities.
Khaled Al Zaabi, President of Platform & Systems at Edge Group, expressed the significance of this deal, stating, "This landmark deal marks a crucial milestone for both the HT-100 and HT-750 systems and for EDGE. It represents the first-ever order by the UAE Ministry of Defence for these advanced aircraft and stands as the largest order ANAVIA has ever received, underscoring the trust placed in these exceptional products by customers worldwide. Moreover, it exemplifies EDGE’s strategic approach of fostering mutually beneficial partnerships globally, as seen with ANAVIA. Such collaborations allow us to expand our technological capabilities across diverse domains, ensuring sustainable growth for both partners and contributing to the development of sovereign capabilities in the air, land, and naval domains."
Specifications for the EDGE HT-100 and HT-750 unmanned helicopters:
HT-100:
- Compact and lightweight: This mini helicopter has a 3.75-meter rotor diameter and weighs only 55 kg empty, making it highly portable and maneuverable.
- Long endurance: Despite its small size, the HT-100 boasts a flight time of up to 250 minutes thanks to its fuel-efficient 15 kW shaft turbine engine.
- Multi-role capabilities: The HT-100 can be equipped with various payloads for tasks like reconnaissance, surveillance, cargo delivery, and disaster relief. Its maximum payload capacity is 65 kg.
- Impressive range: Depending on the payload weight, the HT-100 can reach distances of up to 400 km, making it suitable for covering large areas.
- Advanced features: The HT-100 comes equipped with a fully encrypted MESH IP data link, autonomous takeoff and landing capabilities, and an operational ceiling of 3,000 meters.
HT-750:
- Larger and more powerful: The HT-750 is the bigger brother of the HT-100, with a 7.3-meter rotor diameter and a maximum takeoff weight of 330 kg. This translates to a significantly higher payload capacity of 150 kg.
- Extended range and endurance: The HT-750 boasts a flight time of up to 8 hours and a range of up to 800 km, making it ideal for long-range missions.
- Enhanced capabilities: The HT-750 is designed for more demanding tasks and can be equipped with heavier and more sophisticated payloads, including radar systems, electronic warfare equipment, and weapon systems.
- Greater operational flexibility: The HT-750 can operate in harsher environments and at higher altitudes compared to the HT-100, thanks to its more powerful engine and robust design.
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