Spain boosts UAVs capabilities with Alpha 800 Helicopters

The Spanish Armed Forces has acquired two Alpha 800 helicopters from Alpha Unmanned Systems, the company announced on 19 December in a press release.

The system, procured through the DGAM (Dirección General de Armamento y Materiales), is expected to be assigned to Spain’s world-renown first responder unit, the UME (Unidad Militar de Emergencia) for testing and evaluation.

The Alpha 800 is a tactical 14 kg gasoline powered helicopter that provides three hours of continuous flight with a 3 kg payload and 30 km of operating range.

The UAV was originally intended for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) missions and for delivery of supplies. It has also been tested for UXO detection (unexploded ordnance) and is used in more than five countries worldwide. For instance, the Alpha 800 is used in Indonesia and Hungary, for border control and surveillance.

The integration of a comprehensive suite of payloads, remote-controlled by a wide set of ground control solutions, is what provides its edge.

According to the company, the UAV is equipped with one of the lightest and strongest airframe in its class and a military-grade autopilot with high precision GPS and sensors.

“Alpha Security and Defense is very proud to have been chosen with its Alpha 800 System by the prestigious first responder unit UME in Spain. With an active role in global operations, the UME will provide meaningful technical and payload feedback from demanding and varied situations,” said Eric Freeman CEO of AS&D.

The company, founded in 2014, offers Advanced UAV Engineering Services to global defense clients and its Alpha 800 helicopter UAV platform to both military and civilian customers.

AS&D is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alpha Unmanned Systems, SL.

Defence Insight Analysis

Alpha 800 is a man-portable, medium range unmanned helicopter designed for surveillance and target acquisition. It is optimized for all-weather detection of surface targets, whether personnel or vehicles.

Main features:

• 3kg of payload capacity
• Up to 50 Km Range Using the Latest Radio Technology
• Up to 3 Hours Endurance in Good Condition
• Onboard Generator
• GPS Denied Navigation