ShadowfaxUAS, a new player in the unmanned aviation market, has launched its latest innovation, the SF30 VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) UAV, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 expo. This cutting-edge UAV is designed to deliver exceptional performance, rivaling larger UAVs in endurance and range while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Impressive Specifications and Capabilities
The SF30 boasts a flight endurance of over 10 hours and a range of 800 km with a 7 kg payload, making it a formidable competitor in its class. Despite its compact size, the SF30 offers capabilities typically found in much larger UAVs. The aircraft features four electric motors with position-locking propellers for vertical lift and a four-stroke petrol engine driving a pusher propeller for horizontal flight, achieving a cruising speed of 90 km/h.
Key specifications include:
- Empty Weight: 22 kg
- Fuel and Payload Capacity: 10 kg
- Wingspan: 4.13 meters
- Length: 2.48 meters
- Height: 0.65 meters
Versatile and Rugged Design
ShadowfaxUAS has emphasized the SF30’s versatility and ruggedness. The UAV’s robust VTOL capability allows it to operate in challenging environments, including taking off and landing from the top of a vehicle, without the need for runways or launch equipment. The auto-feathering VTOL propellers enhance aerodynamic performance and flight duration.
The SF30’s design includes a 40-liter payload bay, facilitating easy changes of payloads and sensors. This flexibility allows for combination payloads, such as a wide-area scanner coupled with a gimballed day/night tracking camera.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The SF30 is designed for high reliability and ease of maintenance. It can be disassembled into a 1.6-meter-long transport box, making it highly portable and suitable for rugged environments. The UAV can be assembled and flight-ready in less than an hour, with a turnaround time between flights of under 20 minutes.
A notable feature is the removable forward propulsion engine unit, which can be swapped out in seconds, enhancing reliability and platform availability. This modular approach ensures that the SF30 remains operational with minimal downtime.
Advanced Communication and Export Capabilities
The SF30 is equipped to carry a range of communications equipment, including satellite communications, encrypted MIMO radios, and cellular systems, providing extensive operational range even in remote areas. Additionally, the UAV is ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) free, allowing for export to most countries.
ShadowfaxUAS, registered with the South African National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), aims to make a significant impact in the UAV market with the SF30, offering a high-performance, cost-effective solution for various applications.