Greece Air-Force Greece UAV/UCAV Programs

Combat-Master

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DELAER-RX3
RX3 Scaled


RX3-e1535976802683.png

Objective and goals
The main goal of the DELAER research project objective is the design, development, manufacturing and flight testing of a prototype Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System (UAS), which will provide direct support to Greek isolated territories and islands, via aerial delivery of lifesaving supplies and dedicated equipment. The system will be based on a large-scale, autonomous, fixed-wing, novel Blended Wing Body (BWB) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) configuration, as well as a portable ground control station (GCS).
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Mission
The DELAER RX-3 mission involves cruising to the point of interest for up to 65km, payload delivery, and cruising back to the base of operations.
Payload
RX-3 payload has been selected to support a wide range of humanitarian missions (life rafts, medical equipment, provisions etc.).
Aerodynamic Design
The DELAER RX-3 design was based on well-established aircraft design textbooks and methodologies. In-house sizing tools and routines were used to facilitate the layout, aerodynamics, and stability calculations. These tools were adjusted to the needs of UAVs and tuned to incorporate the unique characteristics of the novel BWB platform. They have also been validated through the design of the HCUAV RX-1, the first large-scale Hellenic Civil UAV for surveillance missions, which has successfully undergone several flight tests.
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Computational analysis
The layout design and sizing procedure is compatible with FAA pt. 23 regulations and supported by high-fidelity aerodynamic analysis (CFD) and structural analysis (FEM) tools. The geometry used for the analyses was generated with the use of existing parametric 3D CAD tools, which allow the changes at the aerial vehicle configuration to be executed with speed and accuracy. The results were imported in a dedicated flight simulator software, for the evaluation of the key performance, aerodynamic and stability specifications of the RX-3.
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Electronic systems
Both the RX-3 and the GCS will be equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and telecommunication systems, which will be developed in order to satisfy the operational requirements and will be capable of operating under adverse weather and environmental conditions. The aerial vehicle will communicate with the GCS through encrypted radiocommunications. A data gathering and management software will support the operations of the DELAER RX-3 system.
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Construction
The manufacturing procedure of the RX-3 will comply with the latest machining and composite material fusion methods. Both the metal parts and the carbon fiber molds will be manufactured using state-of-the-art 5-axis CNC machines, to ensure an accurate representation of the complex 3D shape, as well as high surface quality. The final processing will be performed in a composite materials auto-clave, under strictly monitored temperature and pressure conditions, based on certified procedures.
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Features
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(HCUAV) RX-1
HCUAV_1.jpg



 
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DELAER RX-3​

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Foulgrim

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In April, the two UAV IAI Herons that Greece has acquired through leasing from Israel are expected to appear in the Greek ethers. In the previous days, the training of Greek pilots in Israel was completed, as well as the control of the operational and technical specifications by a unit of the Hellenic Air Force. The drone station will be installed in Skyros while the UAV IAI Heron will be able to relocate to other Aegean islands. UAV IAI Herons can carry out missions up to 1,000 kilometers from their base. According to the manufacturer, the functional configuration of the system consists of marine surveillance radar and an electro-optical sensor with capabilities for operation both day and night. The Greek Ministry of National Defense has rented the two Israeli UAVs for 3 years for 35.5 million euros. The contract signed by the General Directorate of Defense Investments and Equipment provides for the possibility of acquiring the UAV IAI Heron after the end of the leasing.
 
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Cabatli_TR

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According to a document posted today in "Diavgeia", the Ministry of National Defense approved on June 9 the transnational integrated program of research and development cooperation entitled "Low Observable Tactical Unmanned Air System - Lotus" and awarded the contract for the development of the program in the consortium. coordinated by the Greek company Intracom Defense Single Member SA - IDE.
The LOTUS system will be the first European, navigable and interoperable Low Vision Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), designed for surveillance and reconnaissance applications.


The LOTUS will consist of a "mother" boat with multiple sensors that can carry up to four smaller drones. These can operate autonomously and perform complex reconnaissance missions while the parent craft remains at a safe distance.
The LOTUS development project is one of 16 European projects selected, following an evaluation by a Committee of Experts, for funding from the European Union (EU). These projects are part of the European Defense Industrial Development Program (EDIDP), which aims to develop the competitiveness and innovation of the European defense industry.

LOTUS will be implemented by a Consortium led by IDE and partners from Greece (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, ALTUS, CFT, University of Patras and the Telecommunication and Electronic Media Factory of GEA), Cyprus (SignalGenerix, Cyric, Geric, Geo the Netherlands.

 

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DELAER RX-3plus​

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One of the most interesting Greek appearances at the DEFEA exhibition , which opens its gates on Tuesday 13 July and will last until Thursday 15 July, is the Tactical Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (TRPAS) RX-3plus , of INTRACOM DEFENSE (IDE).
RX3Plus-A.jpg



It is a direct evolution of the corresponding aircraft of the DELAER research program(DELAER RX-3) , which was recalled aimed at the design, development, construction and flight test of an ACE (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) system that could meet the needs of rapid transport of sanitary supplies and other critical equipment hard to reach areas of Greek territory. The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Mechanical Engineering, participated in the DELAER program, with the funding of the General Secretariat for Research and Development, while IDE was responsible for the aircraft's electronic equipment, radio-communication infrastructure and ground control station.
Given the flexible approach to innovative design, the UAS of the DELAER program was easy to evolve for other applications. One of these is the RX-3PLUS version as Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (Tactical Remotely Piloted Aircraft System - TRPAS ) designed for performing surveillance functions and identification - ISR (Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance -) with advanced autonomy via line incorporating innovative technologies.

The system consists of a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) fixed wing and a Ground Control Station (GCS).
RX3Plus-D-scaled.jpg


The key technological features of the RX-3plus are :​

  • The BWB (Blended-Wing Body) configuration, ie a wing that "merges" with the fuselage offering high aerodynamic efficiency, which translates into:
  1. Lower fuel consumption, therefore greater autonomy
  2. Increased load carrying capacity
  • Equipped with multiple sensors and an innovative data processing system where AI (Artificial Intelligence) techniques are widely used to detect, identify and categorize targets. This minimizes the operator's burden and maximizes its efficiency.
  • The integration of reliable avionics designed with an emphasis on safety and operation in GNSS-denied environments (GNSS-denied environments) and field-tested. They consist of a triple autopilot, a high-performance navigation system with tracking points (waypoints) and all the peripherals and instruments needed for safe flight.
  • The Ground Control Station (GCS) that is safe in cyber attacks and easily configurable to serve the needs of all potential users.
  • The long-range communications system with ad-hoc networking capabilities, secure transmission, as well as transmission of data from the aircraft sensors in real time to recipients on the ground.
The RX-3plus system was designed to be used to perform collaborative missions in the form of teaming and swarming with other manned and non-manned vehicles via FANETs (Flying Ad-hoc Networking topologies) communications support.
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Technical characteristics of the RX-3plus

Extent : 7.15 m
Length : 4.3 m
Maximum take-off weight : 260 kg
Autonomy : 13 hours
Maximum cruise speed : 180 km / h
Loiter speed : 120 km / h
Take-off / landing : runway 150 m long
Operational roof : 12,000 ft
Maximum wind speed for businesses : 8 Beaufort

Flight electronics

Auto pilot:

  • Triple backup system
  • Support waypoints
  • Automatic fail-safe procedures
  • Real time telemetry
  • Interoperability with base station

Navigation unit:

  • GPS / GNSS support
  • Built-in AHRS unit including magnetometer, accelerometers and gyroscopes

PX3Plus-B-scaled.jpg

Shipping system

Day Camera:

  • Image resolution: full HD 1920x1080p
  • Optical zoom: x30, FOV: 63.7 ° -> 2.3 °

Night Camera:

  • Image resolution: 640x512p
  • Sensor: Cooled MWIR
  • Optical zoom: x15, FOV: 29.8 ° -> 2 °

Laser rangefinder:

  • Typical distance: 5 km
  • Maximum distance: 14 km

Gimbal Turret:

  • Stabilization: gyroscopic
  • Stabilization accuracy: <150 μrad
  • Movement: not obstructed by the aircraft

Control station

Display:

  • Telemetry data
  • Location on the map

Control:

  • Air vehicle
  • Shipping load

Mission planning :

  • Initial
  • Ship redesign

Check multiple vehicles from the same station: Yes​

Analysis of shipping results: Yes​

Communication systems

Air-to-ground:

  • Frequency band (indicative): C-band
  • Multiple antenna support: Yes (user selectable)
  • Encryption: AES
  • Directional broadcast: Yes
  • Maximum range: 150 Km

Air-to-air and RVT:

  • Frequency (indicative): 1.3 to 1.5 GHz
  • Communication protocol: MANET
  • Multiple antenna support: Yes (spatial diversity)
  • Encryption: AES
  • Maximum range: 40 Km
 
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Akritas

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LOTUS: Next Generation Tactical UAV from INTRACOM DEFENSE for ISR missions​

The new European Tactical UAV, specially designed for the effective border surveillance and reconnaissance of threats and high value targets, will be of Hellenic provenance. INTRACOM DEFENSE (IDE) signed with the European Commission, the Grant Agreement for the 9.7 million € funding of the LOTUS – Low Observable Tactical Unmanned System program, approved last July in the framework of EDIDP (European Defense Industrial Development Program).

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The LOTUS (Low Observable Tactical Unmanned System) employs a number of innovative characteristics, such as:

  • Stealth properties, hiding it from enemy forces
  • Stand-off operational capabilities
  • Airworthiness and interoperability based on NATO standards
  • Reliable communications
  • Extensive adoption of Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity and Expandability to support additional missions
Some of the platform’s advanced features cannot be incorporated in existing designs, providing LOTUS with a strong competitive advantage.

The LOTUS program will be based on prior experience and know-how acquired through the collaboration of IDE with key partners in previous RPAS designs, such as:

  • HCUAV, which has already been flight-tested
  • DELAER, which is expected to perform flights next year.
Greece, in cooperation with the Participating Member States, is presented with a unique opportunity to demonstrate the country’s industrial capability to develop state-of-the-art technologies, and also to coordinate a wide group of participating private and public sector EU partners.

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The consortium of the LOTUS program is coordinated by IDE and comprises of industrial, scientific and military entities from Greece (IDE, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, ALTUS, CFT, University of Patras and the Hellenic Air Force Telecommunications and Electronics Depot), Cyprus (SignalGenerix, Cyric and Geoimaging), Spain (Embention) and the Netherlands (RHEA Group).

Through its participation in the program, the Hellenic Ministry of Defense (HMoD) will be able to field its respective operational requirements and to achieve its self-sufficiency within a 5-year plan, bypassing the obstacle of non-controlled critical systems. Moreover, HMoD will have the opportunity to acquire a TRPAS, which will fill effectively a confirmed capability gap for the country’s defense.

 

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SARISA SRS-1A Weaponized version​

Sarisa is a heavy weight multirotor UAV with a max takeoff weight of approx. 60kg. It has a payload that can reach approx. 25kg. SARISA can be fitted with various interchangeable payload racks allowing for quick reconfiguration for different types of missions as:
  • Tactical air to ground assault: configured as a weaponized aerial platform with various weapon systems
  • Tactical cargo configured with the cargo carrying rack.
  • Aerial spraying missions with the sprayer tank rack.

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The basic SARISA tactical configuration is with the twin rocket launcher rack for the 2.75-inch diameter HYDRA 70 rockets, that can be fitted with a variety of warheads.
Hydra is widely used by NATO armed forces usually carried by light attack fighters or helicopters as the AH-64 Apache.
This particular configuration gives army ground units the capability to carry with them, on a light vehicle, a system that can cover a significant part of their CAS mission requirements.



 

Pantelis

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The government does not give sufficient support to LOTUS project. I'm afraid this project will not be completed.:mad:
 

Akritas

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The government does not give sufficient support to LOTUS project. I'm afraid this project will not be completed.:mad:
Lotus program is funding from the European Commision, is not anymore a unique Greek program.
The second major change, is the core of the program, is Intracom Defense and not the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, who originally started it. The consortium of the LOTUS program includes other industrial, scientific and military entities from Greece, Cyprus, Spain and Netherlands. The project has the duration of 45 months.
 

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The drone SARISA SRS-1A is a 2.75-inch Hydra 70 two-barrel rocket launcher, the tests conducted in August 2021 focused on the autopilot settings, so that it responds immediately and with absolute precision to the commands. its operators at the system control station.
 
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Ryder

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Any news on the Dassault Neuron?

All I know is Greece is apart of the program.
 

Kansei

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Any news on the Dassault Neuron?

All I know is Greece is apart of the program.
From what I heard nEURon isn’t really an actual product that will be sold , it was made more as a testbed study and to gain R&D information for other future programs.
 

Nutuk

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What are the technical details of the Greek drones?

Flight ceiling, endurance, data link distance?
 

Foulgrim

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What are the technical details of the Greek drones?

Flight ceiling, endurance, data link distance?
So far for the UAV SARISA SRS-1A and the Tactical UAV LOTUS there are no specific features as they are in an early stage of development.
 

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MPU RX-4
It is an evolution of the UAV DELAER RX-3plus while it is a Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) mini-UAS.
aerohima_mpu_rx-4-790x400.jpg

The aircraft was designed and developed by the Laboratory of Fluid & Turbine Engineering of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in collaboration with the following organizations:
The UAV-iRC Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Team of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
The Democritus University of Thrace (robotic vision)
The MLS (ground station)
The company GEOSENSE (requirements determination and flight tests).
The MPU RX-4 has a maximum take-off weight of 4 kg, a fuselage length of 1 meter, a wingspan of 1.8 meters and a height of 200 millimeters. The MPU RX-4 has a range of 2 hours, can fly at speeds up to 125 km / h and take off or land vertically. It is a fixed wing aircraft and not a multicopter. This is achieved by using an electric fan located in the center of the fuselage and two rotating electric motors located on the two front arms of the aircraft which can rotate 90 degrees. During take-off, the two front electric motors are turned upwards and in combination with the central fan raise the air vehicle. The two electric motors are then turned forward and allow the flight of the aircraft to the destination desired by the pilot. The aircraft is of multiple missions such as surveillance, mapping, photogrammetry and civil protection operations and will be equipped with a set of day / night sensors etc.
 

Foulgrim

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It's a waste to give such a classical name to a puny little aircraft like this, that is going to get shot down by small arms fire before firing the rockets.

Even if by miracle those rockets are fired, they won't hit anything.

Glorified supermarket drone with firecrackers.
Do you know the specs of this particular armed drone? If not then what are you talking about?
 

Foulgrim

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I looked at the specs Akritas gave, it's a joke.

To be honest it looks like something Iran would make. But even Iran makes better shit than this nowadays.

You disappoint me Grikos
The 8-10 km firing range with Hydra 70 rockets for a drone is not a bad result at all.
We are not talking about UAV or UCAV.
 

Foulgrim

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:ROFLMAO:

You don't understand do you? Hydra is meant to be fired from rocket pods in a salvo in order to saturate a large area. It's not a precision weapon and certainly you can't hit anything at 8 kilometers.

It's about as primitive as modified german panzerschrecks that they attached to FW-190s... about the same principle. But here it's even more useless.

I could go on but I don't want to embarrass you anymore.
Before you speak it would be better to know what you want to say because you are the one who is exposed!

 

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