Safomar Technologies, a leading name in the aerospace sector, recently showcased the Narma AF200, a state-of-the-art vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), to an audience of potential civil and military users in South Africa. The demonstration, according to defenceWeb, highlighted the UAV’s versatility, which is suitable for a range of applications from critical blood transport to advanced surveillance operations.
Innovative Design and Capabilities
The AF200 stands out with its electric dual tilt-rotor design, allowing it to operate as a multicopter during takeoff and landing, and as a fixed-wing UAV while in flight. This hybrid capability ensures a maximum flight time of 25 minutes when hovering with a 3 kg payload, and extends to 45 minutes during level flight with the same payload. The UAV can reach a maximum altitude of 3,000 metres, making it suitable for a variety of aerial tasks.
Robust and Reliable
Equipped with advanced stabilisation technology, the AF200 is engineered to endure challenging weather conditions, withstanding average winds of 12 m/s and gusts up to 17 m/s, as well as temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius. With a maximum payload capacity of 5 kg and an empty weight of 11 kg (or 17 kg with batteries), the UAV promises reliability and performance.
Safety and Communication Features
Safety is a paramount concern for UAV operations, and the AF200 addresses this with an automatically deployable parachute system for emergency situations. Additionally, the UAV is fitted with LTE communications for robust connectivity and includes a built-in surveillance camera for real-time monitoring.
Manufacturing and Expansion
The AF200 is produced by the South Korean firm NARMA (New AeRoMission Accomplishment), known for launching the world’s first electric tilt-rotor VTOL UAV in 2019. Alongside the AF200, NARMA also offers the smaller AF100 tilt-rotor UAV and a range of multi-copter UAVs.
After its launch in South Africa in 2022 and its showcase at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition, NARMA aims to broaden its market reach with plans for expansion into Kenya and other regions.
Local Promotion and Prospects
Safomar Technologies is not only offering the UAV for sale but is actively promoting it through demonstrations, such as the one held at the RPAS Training Academy Field outside Centurion. This event, in collaboration with TAU Aerospace and Advanced Technologies, drew attention from the South African National Defence Force, the local defence industry, and the civil sector.
One particularly interested party is the South African National Blood Service, which is exploring the use of UAVs for the Bloodwing programme, aimed at transporting blood. Marius Cronje, Technical Sales and Project Manager at Safomar Technologies, endorsed the AF200 as an ideal candidate for this initiative, especially given its in-flight payload drop capability.
Safomar plans to make a move towards parcel delivery in South Africa, if the Civil Aviation Authority approves air transport corridors for UAVs.