The list is as follows: UMS Skeldar from Switzerland, WB Electronics S.A., Schiebel GmbH, Siltec Sp. z o.o. and two consortiums: WSK PZL Świdnik S.A. with Leonardo S.p.A. and Works 11 Sp. z o.o. with Martin UAV.
The tender was launched on the 15th of December last year. According to which the Armament Inspectorate is planning to purchase two sets of unmanned tactical class short range vertical take off and landing systems (one is optional). The major aim of the Albatros is to recognize the enemy power on the sea and along the coastline as well as the rescue-search operation support. Therefore the vehicles are to receive an optoelectronic observation head, be able to use the SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) radar station and a communication system that allows for the transmission of the obtained data in real time. The order details will be described in the specification of essential terms of the agreement that will be presented to contractors invited to submit initial offers.
According to the available information, a single platform of 200kg of mass starting capacity is capable of achieving the mentioned tasks. In addition to the ability to operate from an accidental off-road area, the platforms (according to technical request of information) would be capable of operating within the landing pad and aerial infrastructure capacity vessels, like the onship manned helicopters. Contemporary, the Polish Navy has been using a pair of Oliver Perry frigates class vessels, which apart from the landing pads possess two hangars for Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters, the ORP Ślązak OPV, on the other hand, features the certified landing pads as well as the commanding mine defense forces vessel ORP Kontradmirał X. Czernicki alike. Furthermore, the rescue vessels ORP Piast and Lech as well as the ORP Wodnik training ship possess the landing pads, mainly for people evacuation and cargo transfer by helicopter, which may be to receive the vehicle of the indicated mass.
By Defence Industry News (Photo: Schiebel)