# Avior Labs’ Elevation VTOL UAV Enters Production

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/09/avior-labs-elevation-vtol-uav-enters-production/
- Published: 2024-09-20T09:57:51+01:00
- Author: Sarah Lesedi

Avior Labs, a leading South African unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer, 
has announced that its new Elevation VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) UAV is 
now in production. The company showcased the Elevation-G (Gimbal) aircraft at the
Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 expo, marking a significant milestone in
its development.

#### **Elevation Series: Survey and Surveillance**

The Elevation series includes two main variants: the Elevation-S (Survey) and the
Elevation-G (Gimbal). The Elevation-S, the original design, is tailored for survey
missions and can carry various fixed high-definition (HD), thermal, or multispectral
cameras.

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In contrast, the Elevation-G is optimized for surveillance applications, such as
security and policing, and is equipped with a NextVision DragonEye2 gimbal, featuring
the latest tracking computer and real-time video streaming capabilities.

#### **Innovative Design and Local Development**

Both production versions of the Elevation UAV feature locally developed hidden embedded
antennas integrated into the composite structure, along with several other enhancements
over the prototypes. Dr. Benjamin Broughton, Managing Director of Avior Labs, highlighted
these improvements, emphasizing the company’s commitment to innovation and local
manufacturing.

Avior Labs first unveiled the Elevation prototype at AAD 2022. Two years later, 
the company has commenced low-rate production, with plans to ramp up to full production
by 2025. Orders for both the Elevation-S and Elevation-G are now being accepted 
at AAD 2024.

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#### **South African Manufacturing Excellence**

“We are one of very few truly South African VTOL manufacturers capable of mass-producing
drone systems, including the airframes,” said Dr. Broughton. The design IP, firmware,
moulds, manufacturing IP, and many electronic components are proprietary to Avior
Labs. The company also holds a patent and several trademarks associated with the
Elevation series.

The airframes are manufactured at two facilities in Silverton, with final assembly,
configuration, and software integration conducted at the company’s design and integration
office in Irene. Excluding payloads, the drones have approximately 85% South African
content. While Avior Labs is actively marketing the Elevation UAVs overseas, they
are also seeking significant interest from local operators and government agencies
at AAD.

#### **Strategic Partnerships and Agreements**

At AAD 2024, Avior Labs signed three key agreements:

 1. **Aerotechnic**: Establishing Aerotechnic as the exclusive global supply chain 
    and procurement partner for Avior Labs.
 2. **Litson and Associates Risk Management Systems**: Joint development of a drone
    operations management system.
 3. **LambdaG**: A research and development partnership to develop, integrate, and 
    test enhanced embedded antennas suitable for UAVs and improved ground stations.

#### **Versatile and Efficient UAV Design**

The Elevation UAV is a versatile, multi-role VTOL fixed-wing drone. It is fully 
electric, offering 90 minutes of useful flight time in its standard configuration.
The UAV features a single tilting propeller on the nose for flight efficiency, creating
an exceptionally low noise footprint, while three other propellers around the airframe
provide vertical lift. The Elevation has a wingspan of 2.54 meters and a maximum
takeoff weight of 46 kg. Its outer wings are detachable for transport and ease of
assembly, allowing the UAV to be conveniently packaged in a box that fits in the
boot of a car.

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The Elevation-S is ideal for surveying areas of land around 200 hectares and inspecting
linear infrastructure such as pipelines, railroads, and transmission lines. The 
Elevation-G, equipped with an EO/IR gimbal payload, is perfect for surveillance 
or search and rescue activities, day and night. Other applications include security,
disaster management, deliveries, and precision agriculture.

#### **Commitment to Innovation and Local Content**

Established in 2019, Avior Labs specializes in developing and manufacturing efficient
commercial UAVs, associated technologies, and software. The company has designed
and built aerial vehicles to develop and validate technologies, supporting computational
modeling on behalf of its clients. The Elevation series represents Avior Labs’ first
UAV designed for commercial and military operators and service providers.

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