The HT-100 unmanned helicopter can be used for a range of surveillance, tactical, and logistics missions. Credit: EDGE PJSC Group.
The compact HT-100 helicopter offers low operating costs and high reliability. Credit: EDGE PJSC Group.
The HT-100 helicopter has a maximum range of 600km. Credit: EDGE PJSC Group.

HT-100 is an unmanned helicopter designed for use in military operations, border control, special force missions, civil defence, and law enforcement tasks.

It is not subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations restrictions and boasts of low flight-operating costs, high reliability, and safety.

The helicopter was developed by ANAVIA, a developer and manufacturer of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) systems based in Switzerland. In November 2023, EDGE, an advanced technology and defence conglomerate based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), acquired a majority shareholding of 52% in ANAVIA.

In January 2024, the UAE Ministry of Defence awarded EDGE a contract to supply 200 HT-100 and HT-750 unmanned helicopters to improve its VTOL capabilities. The HT-750 is a larger model capable of transporting heavy payloads.

HT-100 unmanned helicopter design and features

The HT-100 unmanned helicopter measures 2.82m long, 0.72m wide, and 1m high. It has a rotor diameter of 3.75m and features lightweight carbon construction for its cell and rotor blades.

The unmanned system is developed and manufactured according to Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems Certification Specifications for Light Unmanned Rotorcraft and Aeroplane Systems.

It is suitable for both stationary and mobile use and offers better mobility with a secure transport system. It can be prepared to start in 15 minutes and has a maximum flight time of 240 minutes.

The operating temperature range for the helicopter is -25°C to 55°C while the maximum wind speed it can withstand is 45km/h.

Avionics and flight control

The ANAVIA HT-100 unmanned helicopter uses a fully encrypted MESH IP data link for on-demand LTE and SATCOM communications with a maximum communication range of up to 200km.

Featuring an easy-to-operate flight system, the helicopter enables fast and easy programming for autonomous missions on a user-friendly interface. It includes real-time telemetry for continuous flight data monitoring and ergonomically arranged controls.

The helicopter is equipped with a state-of-the-art automatic flight control system, allowing for a fully autonomous return flight in the event of lost radio contact with the ground station. It also boasts flight control redundancy with four actuators.

Additionally, the crew benefits from clear radio communication provided by advanced radio headsets.

Propulsion

The helicopter uses a 15kW shaft turbine to reduce vibration and state-of-the-art hardware and software in its closed high-tech gearbox.

In addition, it is equipped with a Flettner double rotor system for high payloads and flight stability, an electric drive as an emergency system, and an intelligent redundancy system for safety.

The system can be programmed for autorotation in the event of an RPM drop.

Performance and payload

The HT-100 unmanned helicopter can carry a payload of up to 65kg, has a flight endurance of up to five hours and a maximum range of 600km. It has a maximum speed of 120km/h.

The unmanned system has a modular payload avionics BUS that enhances the speed and efficiency of sensor deployment, allowing for easy plug-and-play integration of various payload sensors.

HT-100 is equipped with a drone rescue system comprising an automatically deployable parachute system, which minimises ground risk and reduces damage. It is also equipped with a transponder/FLARM, mandatory position lights, and a strobe light.

The unmanned helicopter has a tank capacity of 60 litres and can utilise JET A1, JP-8, and JP-5 fuel types.

Applications of HT-100 helicopter

The HT-100 helicopter’s mission capabilities include aerial infrastructure inspection, traffic investigation and surveillance, border and coast control, illegal fishery, and anti-poaching.

It also provides tactical support, including communications intelligence/signals intelligence/electronics intelligence, surveillance at sea, anti-surface and submarine warfare, and artillery and naval fire support.

The helicopter features remote aerial sensing capabilities and can be deployed on LiDAR missions, and generate orthophoto, digital elevation, point cloud and 3D models, as well as multispectral data and thermal layers.

Additionally, the helicopter features a custom-fit cargo box with an active cooling skyhook, a 70m rope and net, and a remote drop system that can be utilised for diverse logistics operations, including delivery to remote and offshore areas, time-sensitive and critical medical supplies, cold chain logistics, and battlefield resupply.