Image source: topwar.ru
On September 6, the American company Piasecki Aircraft Corporation (PiAC) for the first time lifted into the air an unmanned vertical take-off and landing vehicle under development, which received the designation ARES-DV. The US Air Force and Army are involved in financing the $37 million project.
It is planned that the new tiltrotor UAV will perform various tasks offline: evacuation of the wounded, transportation of people and goods, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, communication relay and even act as a strike platform.
Image source: topwar.ru
During the first flight, the ARES-DV's ability to maintain stable hovering was tested, including after installing the US Army M4 mobile multipurpose module. Two turbine engines drive two propellers located in the so-called annular channels, which provide both vertical and horizontal flight.
Image source: topwar.ru
The device requires a small landing area, which is an important feature for the navy and special forces. The use of removable suspended payload modules allows you to quickly adapt to various tasks.
- stated in the PiAC company.
