TSAMTO, November 1. A prototype of Greece's first hybrid aircraft-type UAV with vertical takeoff and landing, called "Archytas", was presented to Deputy Defense Minister Nikolaos Hardalias.
The presentation took place at the final stage of the joint military exercises Parmenion-21, held on the island of Chios.
According to Jane's Defense Weekly, in a photo published by the Greek Ministry of National Defense, N. Hardalias inspects a UAV developed by the Greek companies EFA Group and Ucandrone PC together with the research groups of the Greek Navy and Hellenic Aviation Industry with the participation of the universities of Thessaloniki, Thessaly and Thrace.
Named after the ancient Greek philosopher, politician and engineer Arkitas Tarantinos, the UAV is equipped with a single engine that drives a pusher propeller for horizontal flight. The possibility of vertical take-off and landing is provided by four electrically powered rotors located on longitudinal beams connecting the wings to the reverse V-shaped tail. The "Architas" is equipped with a four-support landing gear designed to increase the duration of the flight due to minimal drag.
According to available information, the project was initiated in early 2021. Currently, the development of "Architas" continues under the supervision of the Ministry of National Defense of Greece and should end with the serial production of a light platform, which, in addition to being able to deliver military cargo to remote and isolated islands, should also provide the possibility of landing on the deck of warships.
On a preliminary basis, the adoption of UAVs is scheduled for 2024.
As expected, the UAV "Architas" will be used to collect information, surveillance and reconnaissance, border control, cargo delivery, as well as support operations to eliminate the consequences of natural disasters, forest monitoring, etc.
