Helicopter Converted into UAV by Turkish Company

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A helicopter was converted by a Turkish company into an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a high payload and long flight time and range to meet military and civilian needs.

The technology is designed to reduce the need for hands-on human involvement. The converted Alpin UAV is based on the manned Heli-Sport Italian CH7 helicopter. It is a joint project of TITRA, a Turkish engineering company, and UAVOS, a researcher, developer, and manufacturer of advanced products in the unmanned systems industry. The aircraft has completed its first successful flight in Turkey. 

The Alpin UAV was created in accordance with the needs and requirements of the Turkish Rescue & Security industries, according to suasnews.com.

The unmanned helicopter is capable of carrying up to 160 kilograms (353 pounds) with a range of up to 800-850 kilometers (497-528 miles) and an altitude of more than 4,572 meters (15,000 feet), according to a company executive cited by hurriyetdailynews.com. The company intends to start mass production by the end of 2021.

The Alpin unmanned helicopter is able to withstand severe weather conditions, carry multiple payloads, and transmit real-time information to the forces and decision-makers in the field.  

The Alpin’s system autopilot has features and advantages such as fully autonomous take-off and landing, remote Ground Controls network capability, autorotation landing capability and high-efficiency flight control, based on TECS (Total Energy Control System). 

The vehicle can be used in the field of communications by integrating the base station in emergencies and disasters, and for logistics purposes thanks to its high load-carrying capacity. It can also perform tasks such as ammunition delivery and supply to military operation areas.