Greece’s Hellenic Aerospace Industry is presenting its Archytas unmanned aerial vehicle as a complete system at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair. The UAV has undergone nearly two years of development since the first test model, known as the Iron Bird, appeared.
The Hellenic Aerospace Industry largely financed the program with its own funds after initial state financing was exhausted during early production. The project is now entering its most critical phase: flight testing. Vertical takeoff and landing tests are planned for December, followed, if successful, by horizontal flight tests. Technical failures or redesigns could delay development by months.
The Archytas is described as the largest aircraft built in Greece. It weighs up to 180 kilograms, can carry 30 kilograms and fly for about nine hours. Its current configuration supports intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. A civilian and naval version are also under consideration.
