UAE Drone Maker Plans to Convert Russian Superlight Choppers into UCAVs
ADCOM, an unmanned systems developer from the UAE is teaming with the Russian helicopter designer Berkut Aero design bureau to turn the Russian designed Berkut VL light helicopter VL into an armed unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
According to the Novosti news agency the two companies said they are considering the Berkut VL helicopter as a model for a drone to be stationed aboard naval vessels.
Berku VL is a ‘superlight’ two-seat helicopter equipped with a Conver VAZ or Lycoming engine. It has a range of up to 600 kilometers.
In July 2013 Russian sources confirmed the Russian military is planning to purchase aerial drones namely unmanned air systems (UAS) in the United Arab Emirates. Sources at ADCOM indicated the Russians were interested in two of the company’s largest platforms, known as United 40 Block 5.
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