Elytron Aeronautica of Italy is offering to potential customers its family of tandem wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can weigh from 25 to 1,000 kg maximum takeoff weight (MTOW).
Elytron had its Talisman base model UAV on display on 1 May at the 2019 AUVSI Xponential conference in Chicago. The Talisman weighs up to 50 kg and can be completely customised based on a customer’s requirements. The fuselage features an easily configurable and accessible cargo bay, allowing ample space for fuel, sensors, avionics systems, and datalinks, according to a company statement.
Elytron Aeronautica’s Talisman tandem wing UAV on display on 1 May at the 2019 AUVSI Xponential conference in Chicago. (IHS Markit/Pat Host)
Marcello Delponte, company head of engineering, told Jane’s on 1 May that Elytron can fulfil military requirements such as surveillance and naval search and rescue, among others. He said an advantage of Talisman is that it can carry a payload three-times the aircraft’s base weight.
Delponte said the tandem wing design provides stability and prevents stalling and spinning. New proprietary wing profiles provide efficient fuel use.
The Talisman can operate from semi-prepared surfaces thanks to a sturdy undercarriage system and low-pressure tyres. It may also be launched via catapult and be retrieved by a parachute.
The aircraft’s base propulsion system is a centrally positioned two-stroke 5.5-hp reciprocating engine with electric starter and a pusher propeller. The fuel tank is modular to allow short-to-very long-endurance missions depending on customer requirements.
The Talisman’s best endurance speed at MTOW is 94 km/h with its best endurance at up to 25 hours. The aircraft has a maximum operational altitude of 12,000 ft.
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