A prototype of Greece’s first vertical take-off and landing drone, called “Archytas,” was unveiled by the nation’s authorities during a military exercise in the eastern Aegean in late September.
The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), called “Archytas,” was presented to deputy minister of national defense, 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 on 30 September showed Chardalias inspecting the UAV, which has been developed by Hellenic Navy’s Naval Academy, Polytechnic University of Athens, EFA Group and UcanDrone PC.
Drone with multiple roles
The UAV, which will have multiple roles, could be used by the Armed Forces as well as Civil Protection agencies.
It would be used for surveillance, security and more specialized missions. “It will be an ‘Eye in the Sky’, whose technological features will enable officers on the ground to get all the information they need,” Yakinthos said.
The project has been named after the Ancient Greek philosopher, mathematician, astronomer, statesman, and strategist. Archytas was a scientist of the Pythagorean school and famous for being the reputed founder of mathematical mechanics, as well as a good friend of Plato.
Greek scientists have already been testing other types of drones, such as the DELAER RX-3 tactical unmanned aerial vehicle, currently being tested by the University of Thessaly
Development of another drone, the RX-4, which presented at the 84th Thessaloniki International Fair in 2019, is also progressing.
Source: Greek Reporter