German Navy Selects Skeldar V-200 VTOL UAV for K130 Corvettes.

UMS SKELDAR, the world-class provider of rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) solutions and avionics software has been awarded a procurement contract through Munich-based partner and prime contractor Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH (ESG) for a new, unmanned, airborne reconnaissance system for the German Navy specified by the Federal military procurement agency Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw).

UMS SKELDAR wins contract to deploy from Corvette Class 130 in 2019; package focused on pioneering NATO-compliant heavy fuel engine rotary VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and at-sea training.

The contract was ratified between ESG and UMS SKELDAR in Linköping on 9th August 2018, following an end-user contract confirmation signed by BAAINBw and ESG in Koblenz.

The NATO-compliant heavy fuel rotary UAV SKELDAR V-200 is scheduled to be deployed from the German Navy Corvette Class 130 by the end of 2019.

The SKELDAR V-200B variant unmanned helicopter will provide additional reconnaissance capabilities extending existing onboard sensors through in-flight real-time imagery and intelligence gathering.

The contract was concluded with the main contractor Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH (ESG) and the subcontractors UMS SKELDAR and FR. Lürssen Werft GmbH & Co. KG.

The procurement includes a SKELDAR V-200 unmanned aircraft system consisting of two unmanned aerial vehicles as sensor carriers, integration of the system into the Class 130 Corvette, a spare parts package and training of ship-borne operators and maintenance personnel.

Speaking of the naval focus for UMS SKELDAR, Axel Cavalli-Björkman, CEO of the UAV joint venture between Sweden’s Saab and UMS AERO GROUP of Switzerland explained: “This is an important contract and confirms our capability and commitment to working with the German Navy and other world navies. SKELDAR V-200 was conceived as a maritime platform, and we have continued a program of enhancements including technical, sensor and flight endurance along with our superior industry-leading engine manufactured by German-based Hirth Engines. The unmatched flight endurance and time between overhauls (TBO) make our system first choice for navy commanders."