Skeldar V-200 reaches test programme milestones
Saab has revealed that its Skeldar V-200 vertical lift unmanned aerial system (UAS) has carried out successful flight demonstrations for a number of potential customers. A range of key capabilities of the UAS have also now been verified.
The Skeldar V-200 conducted flight campaigns at different sites in the US and Sweden as part of Saab’s campaign to demonstrate the aircraft’s land and sea-based operations.
High complexity flight envelopes such as fully autonomous flights were conducted in both day and night conditions demonstrating convoy shadowing capability, EO/IR sensor utilisation, and precision landing. The UAS also demonstrated tactical hand-over between ground control stations (GCS) for long range missions using Saab’s flexible stationary and mobile GCS.
A heavy fuel engine has also now been verified through extensive flight trials and an upgraded next generation version of the original design aviation fuel engine has been delivered and is now cleared for flight test.
Built-in contingency behaviours in case of link loss have also been confirmed, including autonomous navigation in accordance to predefined parameters as well as auto landing and shut down.
Mikael Franzén, director of Tactical UAS, Saab, said: ‘The Skeldar V-200 has passed yet another important milestone in the programme with these key capabilities verified and demonstrated to various customers.
‘The combination of two alternative engine types, a modular payload design, and the ability to incorporate and utilise a variety of data link systems, provides a true multi-mission capability for the Skeldar V-200 and a flexibility that enables the customer to successfully meet their mission objectives on land or at sea.’
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
