DEFEA 2023: Hellenic Aerospace Industry unveils Archytas local-made latest autonomous aerial vehicle.

The Hellenic Aerospace Industry has unveiled its new Archytas UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) for the first time to the public at DEFEA 2023, a defense exhibition held in Athens. The Archytas drone was financed and supervised by the Greek Ministry of Finance, with the cooperation of several universities, and is aimed at the design and industrial production of autonomous aerial vehicles.
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Hellenic Aerospace Industry displays Archytas UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle at DEFEA 2023 defense exhibition in Athens, Greece. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The Archytas drone is a fixed-wing, lift-and-cruise VTOL UAV that is designed for versatile operations, including surveillance, observation, and reconnaissance missions. The drone comes with different types of payload that can be adapted to the end user's needs, making it a valuable tool for both the military and civil protection agencies.

The drone is lightweight, with detachable wings, and is officially certified for airworthiness. It can be easily deployed from any terrain and can operate from isolated areas or ship decks. The drone also features a state-of-the-art mission gimbal Full HD camera, with a laser range finder, automatic object tracking, and embedded scene steering software.

The Archytas UAV has an encrypted datalink with embedded frequency hopping capability, ensuring that the drone's data is secure at all times. Depending on the selected payload, the drone can cover up to 300 kilometers at a cruise speed of 120 km/h and can fly for four consecutive hours. While the drone is designed to operate without armament, users can modify it to carry light weaponry up to a maximum of 14 kilograms.

The drone's vertical-takeoff-and-landing capability is provided by four electric propellers on the longitudinal beam, which links the wings to the negative-V tail. The system is further integrated with four struts to maximize flight durability by generating minimal drag. This allows the drone to reach very remote locations while also enabling it to land on the decks of large vessels without needing a runway.

The first preproduction system is expected to be integrated and manufactured by December 2023, with a first flight scheduled for March 2024. The Hellenic Armed Forces will be the first customers of the Archytas UAV, followed by other Greek civil protection agencies. The Archytas drone is a significant addition to Greece's defense capabilities, and its versatile design and capabilities make it a valuable asset for a variety of missions.