Saab rotary UAV casts off for sea duty
As if fully autonomous UAV operations didn’t present enough of a challenge, Saab Aerosystems is developing one of its unmanned systems to operate at sea.

As if fully autonomous UAV operations didn’t present enough of a challenge, Saab Aerosystems is developing one of its unmanned systems to operate at sea. The Skeldar M is a version of the company’s V-150 Skeldar (shield) rotary-wing UAV intended for operation from a variety of vessels. Work is progressing toward automatic deck landing trials in June 2008, followed by Swedish Navy tests later in the year. The company places its in-service target at 2009.

At 175 kilograms empty the Skeldar M weighs more than its land-based cousin as a result of the ‘marinization’ that requires a sturdier structure to cope with heavier landings, and additional coatings to protect the vehicle in a maritime environment. However, it can also carry a heavier payload within its 250-kilogram maximum takeoff weight.

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