TSAMTO, May 24. The Turkish company Aselsan has announced the successful completion of a series of test flights of the micro-UAV "Saka" (Saka), designed for information gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance, performed under the "quadrocopter" scheme.
As the project manager at Aselsan, Yusuf Zia Kotil, told Anadolu agency that the company is developing air, ground and sea unmanned systems.
According to him, the UAV project is being implemented at the company's own expense. At the first stage, an autopilot, a power plant, folding rods with rotors and a compact platform with a replaceable battery were developed. The device uses software of its own development.
The weight of the UAV, equipped with a three-axis stabilized observation unit, is about 600 g. (21 oz.). The device performs take-off in automatic mode. The company continues to develop a solution that can be integrated on various ground platforms.
As part of the second phase of the project, efforts are being made to minimize dependence on imported components and the design of the device continues to be improved. The company's specialists are working on an autonomous target detection and tracking system.
Among the advantages of the Saka UAV over its competitors, the company's representative called its compact size, ease of transportation, and the possibility of using it in closed spaces, caves, and other similar conditions. The company intends to compete with foreign products thanks to the adaptable flight controller, the software interface of the ground control station, ensuring resistance to the effects of electronic warfare and the possibility of using it as part of a swarm.
At the end of the year, Aselsan intends to introduce a version of the "Saka" weighing less than 500 grams, as well as a ground control and information processing station with improved software and hardware.