Euronaval 2024: Tekever Unveils the Advanced AR3 Tactical VTOL UAV for Enhanced Surveillance
At Euronaval 2024, Tekever presented the latest iteration of its AR3 tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), now upgraded to feature vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities. This update showcases Tekever’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of drone technology, catering to both maritime and terrestrial operational needs, particularly where traditional UAVs face challenges in deployment.
The AR3 UAV originally relied on a conventional fixed-wing design, notable for its aerodynamic efficiency with a straight trapezoidal wing and a V-shaped tail. However, the newly revealed variant introduces a modular framework that gives it VTOL capabilities. This transformation is made possible by attaching specialized beams to the wing pylons, each equipped with two electric motors driving two-blade rotors. These motors facilitate a smooth vertical take-off and landing, a feature particularly advantageous for launching from confined spaces, such as ship decks or rugged terrain.
When not using the VTOL kit, the AR3 can still perform launches via a catapult and recover using a parachute and an inflatable impact-cushioning bag, making it adaptable to various operational conditions. The UAV’s primary mission profile includes intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) tasks, communication relays, border monitoring, and even artillery fire adjustment.
Technical Specifications and Enhanced Features
The AR3’s airframe spans 4.2 meters with a length of 1.7 meters, and it boasts a maximum take-off weight of 25 kilograms, supporting a 4-kilogram payload. A gasoline engine, cleverly positioned at the tail, powers the aircraft, propelling a two-blade pusher propeller. Its cruising speed is around 85 km/h, and it can reach a service ceiling of 3,600 meters. One of the standout features of the AR3 is its impressive endurance: up to 16 hours without the VTOL configuration, though this is halved to 8 hours when the VTOL kit is employed.
For sensor capabilities, the AR3 comes equipped with a gyrostabilized optical-electronic payload mounted beneath the nose. This system can incorporate a range of tools, such as a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for high-resolution imagery, infrared sensors spanning various wavelengths (SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR), and even a laser target designator-rangefinder. Tekever’s proprietary GAMASAR radar enhances the UAV’s capacity to monitor expansive areas, capable of surveying up to 20,000 square nautical miles per mission, with real-time data transmission to operators.
The AR3’s adaptability is emphasized by its quick deployment—assembling the UAV takes just eight minutes, even under field conditions. Combat performance has been verified in real-world scenarios, including operations in Ukraine, where the drone supported reconnaissance and precision artillery strikes. Feedback from these deployments has driven improvements in both design and payload functionality, ensuring the AR3 is optimized for modern warfare challenges.
Tekever's push to integrate VTOL features without sacrificing endurance or mission versatility reflects a significant leap in UAV innovation. This approach provides operators with the flexibility to choose between fixed-wing and VTOL configurations right before a mission, depending on the operational demands and environmental constraints.
The AR3’s unveiling at Euronaval 2024 not only highlights Tekever’s technological advancements but also underscores the growing demand for UAVs that can perform efficiently in both maritime and land-based scenarios, a crucial aspect of modern surveillance and defense operations.
