VTOL UAV “Archytas”

In numbers  Through the lens  Video

Start of development 2021
First flight on schedule early 2024
First flight in accordance with timetable early 2024
Participants in the program: HAI S.A., Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Democritus University of Thrace, University of Thessaly. 

The “Archytas” project concerns the design-construction of a VTOL UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle, vertical take-off/landing), an innovative UAV, based on a fixed wing BWB platform of the tactical UAV class, of large dimensions and with vertical take-off/landing capability.

It carries a gasoline engine with a pusher propeller and two propellers for vertical take-off (for vertical lifting they draw energy from batteries that are recharged from main engine). It also has two small ten-blade rotors, installed just in front of the main engine.

Three universities are participating in the development of the except by the Hellenic Aviation Industry, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has taken over the aerodynamic design, the Democritus University of Thrace the electronics and the University of Thessaly has taken over the ground and flight control.

The UAV "Archytas" can carry equipment such as / UAV can perform missions such as:

- Fixed wing, lift and cruise VTOL UAV.
- Versatile operation for surveillance, observation and recognition missions.
- Different types of payloads adapted to end user's needs.
- Lightweight with detachable wings.
- Officially certified for airworthiness.

- Easily deployable from any terrain, it can operate from isolated areas or from ship decks.
- State-of-the-art mission gimbal Full HD camera, with laser range finder, automatic object tracking and embedded scene steering software.
- Encrypted datalink with embedded frequency hopping capability.

Technical specifications

Photos VTOL UAV "Archytas", DEFEA 2023 (1/2 scale)

Video

VTOL UAV "Archytas" DEFEA 2023.
Video: © www.redstar.gr