“Architas” flew – the first tests of the Greek iron bird and the plans of the EAB

The first flight of the company’s “Architas” drone took off on Thursday morning. Official Development AssistanceIn fact, the drone itself has not been tested, as its development has not yet been completed, but a metal dummy called the “Iron Bird” that imitates the technical characteristics of the “Architas”.

According to information from “K”, the test, which is actually a series of test flights, was conducted inside the ODA hangars. There were successive flights, with a total duration of about 30 minutes.During this, the possibility of vertical take-off and landing of the metal model and flying on the vertical axis was approved.

Although this procedure seems simple, successful tuning of the eight engines and smooth takeoff/landing, without any sharp step or loss of support or control, is easy. A key milestone of the program.

Next steps

Architas has at least six months of testing ahead of it to reach the final stage. According to expert sources, the next step is the horizontal axis movement, followed by the dips and rises. Once these steps are successfully completed, the external testing will begin.

The first stages will take place without wind and clear weather conditions.The next phase will include tests in more difficult weather, even with strong winds. If they are completed again without problems, the wings and weights will be put to the test in the next tests that will simulate the weight of the systems that the drone will carry.

After that, all the necessary systems, such as electronics, communications, guidance system, etc., will be applied to the prototype. The final phase of testing is then expected to begin, which will include flying in real conditions and over long distances. The drone’s cameras, electro-optics and sensors, which have already been tested in laboratory conditions, will be activated.

Business perspective

Even within ODA, estimates of Architas’ commercial exploitation are rather pessimistic.. Ultimately, this is a Ministry of Finance program implemented by ODA and designed without taking into account the needs of the Greek Armed Forces. In addition to the army, it is possible The “architect” can see the operational “procedure” from the police, fire brigade or coast guard..

If it successfully completes the arduous tests, the prototype could be configured into a civilian version and transmit high-quality images and data of road traffic, or detect the outbreak of forest fires and control ships at sea.

However, even if not a single application is submitted for “Architecture”, upon completion of the program, Official development assistance will have gained significant experience. In the field of drones, which, in fact, it created from scratch. The experience and manufacturing capacity, which competent sources bring to “K”, will bring future agreements with the main “players” in this field and will enable EAB to claim construction works or support systems supplied by Greek companies, and not only, the armed forces.