Optionally, the Fly-Truck helicopter-type manned aircraft is capable of flying for up to 5 hours, at a range of up to 480 km and carrying a payload weighing 600 kg, the Belarusian Unmanned Helicopters Design Bureau (UAVHELI) said.
MINSK, May 21. /tass/. The world's first optionally manned flying vehicle (OPLA) of the Fly-Truck helicopter type, created on the basis of an unmanned helicopter, will be presented for the first time at the MILEX 2025 International Arms and Military Equipment Exhibition. This was reported to TASS by the Belarusian design bureau "Unmanned Helicopters" (UAVHELI).
"The Belarusian company UAVHELI, the Unmanned Helicopters Design Bureau, will present its new project at the international exhibition of armaments and military equipment in Minsk - the world's first optionally manned flying vehicle (OPLA) of the Fly-Truck helicopter type developed on the basis of an unmanned helicopter. <...> The optionally manned Fly-truck helicopter project is at the assembly stage.. As part of the exhibition, the first sample, which is being prepared for flight tests, will be presented on the territory of the developer company," the organization said.
The Fly-Truck is made according to a coaxial scheme. Unmanned Helicopters clarified that its maximum take-off weight is 3,000 kg. "The UAV can fly for up to 5 hours, operating at a range of up to 480 km. On board, it can carry a payload weighing up to 600 kg. The maximum flight speed is 180 km/h," the organization said.
The helicopter is equipped with a hybrid powerplant based on a turboshaft engine powered by aviation kerosene. Vladimir Chudakov, General Designer of the Unmanned Helicopters Design Bureau, noted that the batteries compensate for short-term excess power of electric motors in flight modes "and, importantly, allow them to continue operation in case of engine failure and instantly increase electrical power." "The innovations used ensure cost-effectiveness and flight safety, as well as help in performing autorotation," he added.
The organization also stressed that the developed concept of cargo delivery by unmanned helicopters makes it possible to comprehensively solve cargo delivery tasks, including in hard-to-reach areas. "Optionally, the manned system can also be used to supply offshore oil and gas platforms in all climatic zones. The operator's placement on board the helicopter allows flights to locations that are not equipped for regular reception of such aircraft. At the same time, the operator can perform work on unloading / loading the aircraft, refueling it and preparing for the next flight," the Design Bureau said.
A unique example
Denis Fedutinov, an expert in the field of unmanned aircraft, told TASS that there are several examples in the world of how drones were built based on existing models of manned helicopters. "These are Firescout versions A, B and C, VSR700 developed by Airbus, KAMAN's K-MAX cargo UAV, as well as an unmanned version of the UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter. Moreover, the last two devices were implemented precisely in the optional manned version," the specialist said.
Fedutinov noted the uniqueness of the new "Unmanned helicopters": "despite the presence of similar examples, the Belarusian Fly-Truck is a unique example of how an optional manned vehicle was created not on the basis of a manned one, but on the contrary - on the basis of an initially unmanned vehicle. This is a new approach that has not been noted before. The success of such a project will demonstrate a significant increase in the competencies of Belarusian developers in the aircraft industry," he stressed.
The MILEX 2025 exhibition will be held in Minsk from May 21 to 24.
