BIDEC 2019: Saudi Arabia has developed a full range of UAVs including SH-01 VTOL.

At BIDEC 2019, the Bahrain International Defense Exhibition, defense industry of Saudi Arabia presents its full range of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Systems) including the SHAHEEN SH-01, a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAV fully designed and manufactured in Saudi Arabia.

Scale model of SHAHEEN VTOL SH-01 at BIDEC 2019, Bahrain International Defense Exhibition in Manama, October 28, 2019. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The SHAHEEN SH-01 is made from a light-weight, carbon composite structure, this UAS has four electric motors, rotating wings for efficiency and tilt wing capability. Wings and tails are removable for transportation.

SH-01 can fly to a maximum altitude of 3,000 m, with a maximum endurance of 3 hours. It has a stabilized EO/IR Day-Night vision and object scanning & tracking system. Communications are made with a data link S/C Band (Omni), for a communication range of 50 km.

Navigation and flight control are operated with a redundant navigation and flight control computer. It features a GPS/INS based navigation with air-data assist and flight director (Airspeed, Altitude, Heading).

The SHAHEEN SH-01 has four electric motors using a hybrid electric source. It also has tilt-wing capability. The Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) is 30 kg with a maximum payload of 4 kg.