Unmanned aircraft to evacuate casualties
Israel is searching for the best platform for unmanned medavec missions. The latest contender is the Butterfly unmanned powered parachute made by Israel's EMIT.
EMIT has modified a standard commercial powered parachute. The Butterfly is powered by a Rotax 582 two-cylinder, two-stroke engine.
According to EMIT chief executive Zeev Nahamoni, it has an endurance of 3-10h, depending on trade-off between fuel and payload. It has a speed of 30kt (56km/h) and a maximum take-off weight of 450kg (990lb), including 250kg payload.
Some companies are developing unmanned vertical take-off and landing platforms. Israel Aerospace Industries is developing an unmanned helicopter, while Urban Aeronautics is working on a ducted fan unmanned "mule" to perform combat zone supply and medevac missions.
A selection by the defence ministry will mean state support for development.
Source: Flight International
