New UAV Makes Appearance at DSEI

(September 6, 2009) -- A new Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Airborne Vehicle (UAV) is making its first public appearance on the AESIR Ltd stand at DSEi.

ASK is a 1.5 meter diameter craft fitted with an internal combustion engine. It has been designed to operate as an ISTAR platform, a logistics craft or as an aerial communications re-broadcast station.

Also on the stand is VIDAR, a 300 mm, man portable craft designed to provide surveillance and situational awareness inside buildings and in-close-confined spaces. It has an electric engine, 15 minutes endurance and can carry a 100g payload.

EMBLA is being shown in its counter IED role on top of a Northrop Grumman Remotec Mk 8 EOD Wheelbarrow, which has been adapted by having its manipulator arm removed and replaced with a platform for the UAV. EMBLA is a 600mm diameter electric engine craft which has been developed to show the capabilities of a Coanda effect VTOL UAV.

HODER is a heavy lift craft capable of carrying a one tonne payload. It is primarily intended for cargo transport but can easily be adapted to become a long endurance craft by reducing the payload and increasing the fuel. HODER is in the early stages of development but is expected that it will be multi-engined.

The VTOL craft utilise the Coanda effect to generate lift and have inherent stability as a surveillance platform. The design has no external rotating parts and can survive low speed impact with the ground, buildings and other fixed objects.

The AESIR UAVs provide a sustained hover capability, have a large payload capacity when compared to similar sized fixed wing craft and have been designed to use "plug-and-play" payloads resulting in considerable flexibility. Designed into the craft is an effective perch-and-stare capability.

Source : AESIR Ltd.