The Polish company Ekolot Aerospace and Defense (EAD) has carried out the first test flights with the unmanned aerial vehicle ZEUSdemonstrating stable flight and autonomous operation in CTOL configuration.
According to Defence Blog the information was shared by EPKR Spotters. “We have completed the first test flights of ZEUS. The drone, piloted by Kuba Krukierek, took off in CTOL configuration, reached a stable altitude and maintained precise flight control. Friday also saw the first flight in AUTOmode for a device of this size EPKR.”
The Spanish company UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía stated that it has entered into a partnership with Ekolot Aerospace & Defense to integrate its flight control systems into the ZEUSplatform, including guidance, navigation and control functions.
According to the company, the ZEUSfamily of different configurations with maximum take-off weights between 100 and 250 kilograms for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) variants and up to 350 kilograms for conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) versions.
The system uses a modular design based on one basic hull that can be customized with conversion kits for VTOL or CTOL. The payload ranges from 30 to 120 kilograms for VTOL variants and up to 150 kilograms for the CTOL ZEUS Gconfiguration, which is designed for long-duration missions of 12 to 24 hours, depending on payload and configuration.
Of ZEUS is designed to operate from remote or restricted locations without the need for prepared runways, while retaining the endurance benefits of a fixed-wing aircraft. This makes deployment possible in areas where infrastructure is limited or threatened.
The company stated that the system can operate in environments where satellite navigation signals are weakened or unavailable, using high-precision inertial navigation and a visual navigation system, a highly relevant feature in modern combat scenarios.
Photo: Ekolot Aerospace and Defense. This content was created using AI and reviewed by the editors.
