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Spaitech ARDEA

2020 MODERN

History of Spaitech ARDEA

Spaitech in Spain produces a range of portable unmanned aerial systems (UAS), with ARDEA being a key model designed for versatile intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications. The system features a conventional layout with a teardrop-shaped fuselage accommodating avionics, all-electric propulsion, and camera equipment. Its glider-like main plane, equipped with twin-blade propellers on each side and a third for lift, enables vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) akin to a helicopter. Additionally, ARDEA offers manual launch and recovery options, enhancing its adaptability in the field.

The ARDEA system incorporates a "V-Plane" rear wing arrangement, housing an optics assembly on the ventral side. This assembly includes a dual-function camera unit capable of HD video and thermal imaging, supported by an electromagnetically stabilized dual-axis focus control unit. With a unique triple-prop configuration, the ARDEA can operate autonomously, with a helicopter-like VTOL capability, or be launched and recovered manually using a delayed parachute drop. This flexibility makes the system suitable for a wide range of applications, from military roles such as reconnaissance and artillery support to law enforcement, humanitarian assistance, and various industry operations.

In terms of performance, the ARDEA can reach an altitude of nearly 8,200 feet, fly for up to 2.5 hours at a speed of 68 miles per hour, and cover a range of 93 miles. It supports line transfers up to 25 miles and has a maximum takeoff weight of 20 lbs, with a wingspan of 10.5 feet. Its adaptability, combined with these specifications, positions the ARDEA as a versatile solution for diverse operational scenarios.

Specification

Fundamentals

Years of Service: 2020

Origins: Spain

Status: Active.

Crew: 0

Production: 100

Manufacturer: Spaitech - Spain

Operator: Spain

Roles

Close Air Support (CAS): Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

Special Mission: Search and Rescue (SAR): Ability to locate and evacuate personnel from potentially hazardous or dangerous areas, such as downed pilots at sea.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance: Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Special Forces: Serve special forces/special operations forces and missions.

Unmanned ability: Aircraft designed (or later developed) have inherent unmanned capabilities and can fill a variety of battlefield roles.

Notable Features

Vertical Takeoff/Landing (VTOL): The series has the tactical capability of vertical take-off and/or landing, a characteristic usually associated with helicopters.

All Electric: The design uses an all-electric powerplant for propulsion.

Sturdy aircraft frame: The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

High-speed performance: Can accelerate to higher speeds than the average aircraft at the time.

High performance: The ability to fly and operate at higher altitudes than the average aircraft of the day.

Extended range performance: Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

Super performance: The design covers the three key performance categories of speed, altitude and range.

Operation Lakes: Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Unmanned operation: The design features the ability to fly without a pilot, with actions controlled by onboard programming and/or ground operators.

Autonomous operation: The design features autonomous flight operations through artificial intelligence or onboard pre-programming.

Camera equipment: Payload supports photographic devices that provide still and/or live image/video results.

Dimensions and Weights

Width/Span: 10.5 feet (3.20m)

Cured weight: 18 lbs (8kg)

MTOW: 22 lbs (10kg)

Wgt Difference: +4 lbs (+2kg)

Main Program Structure

Monoplane: Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Install high: The main aircraft is installed at the highest permissible position along the fuselage topline.

Straight: Floor plans involve the use of simple, straight main plan elements.

Performance

Installed: 1 electric motor drives 2 twin-bladed propeller units on each wing and 1 twin-bladed propeller lift unit mounted on the back of the fuselage (for VTOL capability).