*Athanasios Tsakalos

S.A.S Technology, a member of the SPIRIT WORLD GROUP, participated in the third edition of the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX 2023) held between December 4-7 in Cairo.

SAS had the opportunity to showcase advanced armed Unmanned Aerial Systems at the only Defence and Security event on the African Continent.

The company presented, among others, the ARES, AIHMI, and TALOS II systems in the wake of the successful aerial launch of a rocket by the SARISA-type Unmanned Aerial System. SARISA is characterized as the first locally-made Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV).

The modern  “SARISA”

At this year’s EDEX, the company’s most advanced concept, SARISA, was presented in the armed version, the basic configuration of which is the SRS-1A type UAV, which carries a single launcher of RL275-1S 70 mm rockets.

The SRS-1R18 and SRS-1R28 versions, both of which carry a rocket launcher with a configuration of 4 x RPG-18 and 4 x RPG-26 respectively, are also available, while the corresponding fire control mechanisms (Servo Firing Mechanism), SFM-18A and SFM-26A, are integrated.

Being a multipurpose heavy lifter with a maximum take-off weight of more than 60 kg and a payload of at least 25 kg, the system can be equipped with modular payload carriers, allowing rapid reconfiguration to perform different type of missions such as close air support, search and rescue and tactical cargo transport.

Specifications:

• Length: 165 cm
• Width: 218 cm
• Height: 45 cm
• Endurance: 20 minutes with maximum take-off weight

According to the company, the UCAV SARISA, having successfully completed tests with unguided 2.75” (70 mm) rockets, will very shortly proceed to tests with guided rockets.

Also read: SAS Technology | Achieves another milestone on the UCAV SARISA 2.75” rocket fire testing program – Photos & VIDEO

“AIHMI”

AIHMI was another UAV (loitering munition) showcased by S.A.S.

In particular, AIMHI is a new, 1.82m long AHX-1X expendable rocket carrier/kit with folding wings (1.98m) and a small electric propeller motor. The homing-guided laser rocket 70 mm – either the FZ 90-type or FZ275LGR-type – by THALES Belgium is adjusted along the fuselage.

The system in question is a new type of Stand-off Weapon Systems, developed by S.A.S Technology engineers, to be used for short- to medium-range operations on the modern battlefield.

As you can read below, the said system has already performed a Flight Test with UCAV SARISA as the carrier, which attests to the reliability of the company that was committed to its rapid development.

Also read: SAS Technology | Flight Testing of AIHMI Loitering Munition using UCAV SARISA as a carrier – VIDEO

ARES ARS -1C

The company also introduced the ARES medium-weight octocopter in the ARS-1C (Cargo) configuration to the EDEX 2023 audience. ARES is a UAS, which can be classified as a category A3 drone, according to the EASA classification.

ARES, named after the ancient Greek God of War, can take Quad or Octo-Quad configuration using various types of engines performing surveillance, cargo transport, and delivery missions, even carrying a single-use firing tube for RPGs or grenade release mechanisms and mortar shells.

Therefore, it is a multi-role dual-use drone (civil or military) capable of carrying up to 18 kg of payload.

Specifications:

• Length: 752 mm
• Width: 698 mm
• Height: 343 mm
• Diameter: 1400 mm

Also read: DEFEA 2023 | The multidimensional presence of SAS Technology at the International Defence and Security Exhibition

S.A.S Technology’s innovative solutions managed to excite the military community, since, among others, the stand was visited by the following personalities:

• Vice Admiral Ashraf Ibrahim Atwa Megahed
• Air Marshal Mahmoud Abdel Gawad
• The Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff Vice-Admiral Ioannis Drymousis PN
• Lt. Gen. Osama Askar, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces

It is important to note that people were eagerly waiting to be informed by the company’s executives, creating a crowd at the Hellenic Pavilion stand, which hosted many important Greek participations.