UMS SKELDAR, one of the world’s largest designers and manufacturers of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), is demonstrating the flagship F-330 Fixed Wing at UMEX 2016 – the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi 6-8 March 2016.
The test flights will take place at Al Ain, with demonstrations for invited senior military and civilian guests from the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE) and other key international observers including from NATO and embassy military attaches.
The five-strong team from UMS SKELDAR – the newly created joint venture company between UMS Aero and Saab – directed by Middle East Operations Director and former RAF officer Ewen Stockbridge, is showcase the operational capabilities of the F-330 which has been designed as a high-performance ITAR-free unmanned aircraft.
“The F-330 is packed with features and cutting-edge technology that make operation both simple and effective. Backed with UMS SKELDAR dedicated customer support, the F-330 provides a capability that was previously unheard of in a UAV of this size,” explained Stockbridge.
The F-330 boasts many advanced capabilities such as automatic take-off and landing, a scalable ground control station and plug and play sensors including Hyperspectral capability. In the current configuration, the F-330 is fitted with the CM-160 Electro Optic and Infra-Red gimbal which provides continuous full motion video for up to 5 hours. The system is portable and can operate from semi prepared strips, or in a separate configuration, and can be launched by catapult.
The F-330 is an ideal system for border security, natural wealth protection, infrastructure surveying, UAS Training and tactical support to the military.
The Abu Dhabi live trials follow close on the heels of the world launch of UMS SKELDAR and its multi-platform offering at Singapore Airshow and ahead of the deployment of multiple F-330 UAVs and training programmes in Indonesia.
The company has won managed services and training contracts across regions including the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Europe. Projects in the Middle East cover Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and UAE, and globally sectors comprise military applications, border surveillance, cross border smuggling, urban surveillance and pipeline protection.
The F-330 epitomises the phrase: “Many Missions – One Solution”. Designed as a high-performance ITAR-free unmanned aircraft, the F-330 brings a step-change in affordable aerial surveillance – whatever the requirement – by offering wide and varied payload flexibility. Its endurance of approximately 8 hours and large payload bay allows a wide variety of sensors to be carried – giving sustained capability where it is needed most.
