Aeronautics Defense Systems will assemble the Picador unmanned air vehicle - based on the Dynali H2S kit helicopter - at its main facility in Yavne, Israel.
A demonstrator of the 720kg (1,560lb) Picador is being used to develop the flight-control system for an operational version. The aircraft has so far been controlled by a ground operator, but Aeronautics president Avi Leumi confirms: "We hope to perform the first autonomous flight in September."
Powered by a Subaru EJ25 2,500cc engine, the Picador is 6.58m (21.6ft) long, has a rotor diameter of 7.22m and will carry a 180kg payload. Mission endurance will be around 7h, with an operating range of 200km (110nm) and a 12,000ft service ceiling. Top speed will be 110kt (205km/h).
Leumi says the Picador is designed mainly for real-time surveillance applications, noting: "This system can fly and land, while continuously operating its electro-optical payload to send images to a ground station." However, its "operational capabilities are very diverse", he adds.
Source: Flight International
