Greece's first VTOL UAV shown at ‘Parmenion-21' exercise

Greece's Archytas UAV being presented to Deputy Minister of National Defence Nikolaos Chardalias during the recent ‘Parmenion-21' exercise. (Hellenic MND)

The prototype of Greece's first vertical take-off and landing (VTOL)/fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), called the Archytas, was presented to the nation's deputy minister of national defence, Nikolaos Chardalias, during the final phase of the ‘Parmenion-21' joint military exercise, held on the island of Chios between 24 September and 1 October.

A photograph published by the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence (MND) on 30 September showed Chardalias inspecting the UAV, which is the product of co-operation between Greek companies EFA Group and Ucandrone PC with the research teams of the Hellenic Navy, Hellenic Aviation Industry, and the Universities of Thessaloniki, Thessaly, and Thrace.

Named after the ancient Greek philosopher, politician, and engineer Archytas Tarantinos, the UAV uses one engine driving a pusher propeller for horizontal flight. The VTOL capability is provided by four electrically powered propellers located on the longitudinal beams connecting the wings with the negative-V tail. The Archytas features landing gear in the form of four struts designed to maximise flight endurance by producing minimal drag.