*Christos Loizou

In the context of the international defence and security exhibition, Eurosatory 2024 in Paris, the Cypriot company ADDITESS presented the new UAV that is being developed in the framework of the European TICHE program. 

A total of 12 companies participate in the said project, financed by the European Defence Fund (EDF), including ADDITESS from Cyprus and Intracom Defense, AINOOUHAOU and T4i engineering from Greece.

Also read: ADDITESS | Part of EDF-funded TICHE project on cutting-edge UAV and Mobile C2 system technologies

The purpose of the program is to expand the capabilities of detecting explosive devices such as mines and IEDs with unmanned systems, using artificial intelligence and advanced sensors.

As part of the TICHE program, ADDITESS is developing the AP-M-2 unmanned aerial vehicle. 

The propeller-driven UAV (hexacopter) features six 17-inch engines, can carry a payload of 5 kg and its endurance is around 45 minutes. It has a diameter of 99 cm and its speed ranges from 80-100 km/h. Also, its cruising speed reaches 20 knots. 

The carbon fiber arms are linked together as a single structure thus increasing stability and rigidity. The power to weight ratio reaches up to a 6 to 1 scale.

It supports a variety of payloads such as E/O, IR, Laser and CBRN-E sensors. Furthermore, it features the Spanish UAV Navigation VECTOR-600 autopilot system and a chemical detector, with other detectors to be added soon.

It can be used for missions to detect explosives or other hazardous chemical or radioactive materials, in observation, search and rescue operations and to protect critical infrastructure.

Also read: ADDITESS | Participation with advanced software solutions in DEFEA 2023 and EDF’s new programs