Euronaval 2024 – Tekever presents its AR3 tactical VTOL UAV
The Tekever stand presented at Euronaval 2024 its AR3 tactical reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle which can be fitted with a kit allowing it to perform vertical take-off and landing
The vehicle has a normal aerodynamic design with a straight trapezoidal wing and a V-shaped tail. The modular design of the UAV allows it to be transformed into a drone with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). In this case, special beams are attached to the wing pylons, each beam carrying two electric motors that activate two-blad rotors. The drone can also be launched from a catapult and, after completing the flight, lands using a parachute and an inflatable bag that protects the payload from impact. The AR3 is designed to perform surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence gathering (ISTAR) missions both over land and over the sea, relay communications, control borders, and artillery fire correction, company representatives told EDR On-Line.
The airframe is 1.7 metres long, it has a 4.2 metres wingspan, its take-off mass is 25 kg, and carries a 4 kg payload. The AR3 is powered by a gasoline engine installed in the tail section and is fitted with a dorsal air intake; the engine activates a two-blad pushing propeller, the cruising speed being 85 km/h. Service ceiling is 3,600 metres; the flight endurance without the VTOL kit is up to 16 hours, this being reduced to 8 hours when the VTOL kit is fitted. Control is carried out from a ground station equipped with a data-link with a 200 km communication range
A spherical gyrostabilized optical-electronic system is installed in the nose under the fuselage. The AR3 can also carry a synthetic aperture radar (SAR), a set of infrared sensors operating in the near, medium and far infrared spectrum (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR), a laser target designator-rangefinder, and communication relay equipment.
The airframe is transported disassembled in a container. Assembling the UAV and preparing it for flight in field conditions takes 8 minutes.
According to a Tekever representative, the AR3 UAV has been tested in combat conditions in Ukraine, where it was used for reconnaissance and artillery fire correction. All recommendations received from the Armed Forces of Ukraine were considered when upgrading the AR3 design and payload.
Photo by N. Novichkov
