UMS Skeldar V-200

The UMS Skeldar V‑200 is a vertical‑take‑off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial system developed by Saab Group under its UMS (Unmanned Systems) division. Its lineage began in the early 2000s when Saab partnered with Swiss company RUAG to adapt the Skeldar Mk 4 for military and commercial markets. The V‑200 entered service in 2015, offering a compact, hand‑launchable platform that can also be catapult‑or ship‑mounted, making it suitable for naval, army and border‑security operations.

Key features include a lightweight composite airframe, a 25‑kilowatt electric‑propulsion system, and a modular payload bay that can accommodate electro‑optical/infrared cameras, laser designators, and communications relays. With a flight endurance of up to six hours, a ceiling of 6 000 m and a maximum take‑off weight of 55 kg, the Skeldar V‑200 provides persistent surveillance while maintaining a low acoustic signature. Its automatic de‑confliction, GPS‑inertial navigation and real‑time data link enable “plug‑and‑play” missions.

The aircraft’s significance lies in its blend of VTOL flexibility and long‑range endurance, filling a niche between small hand‑launched quadcopters and larger fixed‑wing UAVs. It has been adopted by several NATO allies, reinforcing Saab’s reputation as a leading supplier of versatile, cost‑effective unmanned solutions for modern air‑ground integration.