Dubai 2011: ADCOM shows prototype of new UAV

The new aircraft is the 18th new design from ADCOM and features an innovative tandem-wing layout and a hybrid powerplant. The aircraft is named the United 40, at the request of the Crown Prince, in commemoration of the UAE’s 40th Anniversary.

The new UAV follows ADCOM traditions in using an exceptionally clean and unusual aerodynamic design. “We like challenging aerodynamic concepts,” said Ali Al Dhaheri ADCOM’s charismatic CEO (pictured below).

The tandem wing aircraft gives all of the advantages of a high aspect ratio (including a 1:43 glide ratio) with a relatively modest span of just 21 metres. The aircraft has no elevators, with pitch control achieved instead by varying the incidence of the forward wing. The aircraft is able to take off and land within 120 metres and with a landing speed of 50-55 km/h.

The aircraft can stay aloft using just 20hp but is powered by an 80hp electric motor and a 115hp turbine. It has a 600-kg payload, with 250 litres of fuel in the wings and 550 litres in the fuselage, and with an internal weapons bay housing a rotary launcher for eight of the company’s Yabhon-Namrod missiles. These employ TV, infrared and IN/GPS guidance, and are based on a 100mm artillery shell.

This is a real aircraft,” Al Dhaheri, said. “It is not a mock-up. Not all of the equipment is installed here but it will fly by December.”

A quarter-scale Shaheen demonstrator flew last year.