Scale model of the first Greek drone “Archytas” at TIF

The replica of the first Greek drone, the latest UAV technology of the “Archytas” program, on a scale of 1:2.5 is hosted at the Hellenic Aerospace Industries exhibition area at this year’s Thessaloniki International Fair. It is a hybrid wing type aircraft, with a design that differs from all other UAVs as it has VTOL (vertical take off and landing) capabilities.

The stand of the Hellenic Aviation Industry at the 86th Thessaloniki International Exhibition opened its doors on Saturday.

In addition to the drone, the company’s innovations, know-how and wide range of activities are presented at the stand. Among other things, the forward section of the F-16 aircraft  is on display at the HAI stand.

Read also: Fin. Min. Staikouras: Experimental flights of Greek drone Archytas in mid-October

Educational programs

In addition, in the TIF exhibition area, the integrated training programs of the HAI are presented in detail, covering the whole range of skills in the field of aviation maintenance (aircraft and helicopters, A/C engines, electronics), special courses (structural repair, welding techniques), procedures, management, quality courses, etc.

The heads of the Air Force General Staff Lieutenant General Themistoklis Bourolias, Armythe General Staff Lieutenant General Charalambos Lalousis and Navy General Staff Vice-Admiral Stylianos Petrakis were given a tour of the HAI pavilion.

Archytas

The VTOL UAV of the “Archytas” program is based on a fixed-wing platform of the large-scale tactical UAV class.

As announced by HAI, the configuration of the UAV’s fuselage and its propulsion has so far  been completed.

Internal placement of electronics, payload, fuel tank, VTOL auxiliary systems, etc. have also been completed been done.

The design is expected to be completed in November, while the construction of the first experimental model will begin in December.

The completion of the program is expected in about a year and a half.

For its construction, HAI collaborates with three universities, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Democritus University of Thrace and the University of Thessaly.