Skeldar V-200 aircraft

The Spanish Navy has successfully competed Saab-built Skeldar V-200 Maritime unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) integration trials on board the Buques de Acción Marítima (BAM)-class patrol vessel Relámpago (P-43) off the Canary Islands.

The UAV is due to be deployed in mid-September 2013 aboard the BAM-class patrol vessel Meteoro (P-41), which is currently operational in the Indian Ocean.

Saab has received a contract to provide services for the Skeldar V-200 system aboard a Spanish Navy offshore patrol vessel in operation Atalanta.

Following the completion of second phase of the programme, the Spanish Navy will decide which specific UAV model to procure.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The medium-range vertical take off and landing UAV can be deployed to support instant battle damage assessment and control of indirect fire, in addition to providing logistics support and ship-to-ship or ship-to-land transfers in rough weather conditions.

"The unmanned system can fly at a maximum altitude of 4,500m for five hours."

Powered by a two-cylinder, in-line, two-stroke, liquid cooled internal combustion engine, the unmanned system can fly at a maximum altitude of 4,500m for five hours and can cruise at a maximum speed of 130km/h with a mission radius of more than 100km.

Featuring dual payload capability and various COTS payloads for specific missions, the system is fitted with EO / IR gimbals, a laser pointer, laser range finder, synthetic aperture radar, ground-moving target indicator, electronic warfare, AIS transponder, searchlight, megaphone and cargo hook.

Armed with OtoBreda 76/62mm gun, two Mk38 25mm automatic cannons and two 12.7mm machine guns, the Navantia-developed BAM-class vessels have been designed to support missions including patrols and protection.

The vessels feature a helicopter platform, rescue equipment and medical facilities and can also conduct hydrographic research, intelligence gathering, divers support and submarine rescue operations.


Image: Skeldar V-200 aircraft stationed aboard a Spanish Navy ship. Photo: courtesy of www.armada.mde.es.

Defence Technology