Second AirMule Construction Prototype Has Begun

 

Urban Aeronautics has begun the construction of the second prototype of its AirMule UAV. Dr. Rafi Yoeli, President of Urban Aeronautics, said that the prototype is being constructed in parallel to the improvements being made on the first prototype.

A doubled hydraulic system was installed, among other things. Yoeli revealed that the second prototype will be operated by an ‘Arriel 2’

engine, with a 940 horsepower capacity. This will allow for a maximum take-off weight of 1,400Kg, with the UAV being able to remain in the air for up to five hours at a maximum height of 12 thousand feet. The Israeli company is still seeking additional funding to follow up on necessary stages of the program. The second prototype is planned to undergo test flights at the end of the next year, but is also still dependent on funding.

After the Second Lebanon War, the IDF made it clear that it needed a special vehicle that could fly unmanned behind enemy lines in order to rescue its wounded. Similarly, forces in Iraq and Afghanistan face the same problem and require a similar solution. While the helicopter is the best evacuation vehicle, its chances of safely leaving a fire-heavy zone are small.

Prior to the last two operations in Lebanon and Gaza, Israeli companies already began developing new evacuation vehicles, which could carry out the mission without putting additional people in jeopardy. The idea is seemingly simple: introduce an autonomous aerial or ground vehicle into the area without a pilot or driver to instruct them where to go, and leave it swiftly without endangering other people.

  

The AirMule is operated with a jet engine that propels two large, internal thrusters. A system of “winglets” (shutters) directs the air currents towards the desired direction in order to control the vehicle’s movement. The AirMule is about 6 meters long and 2.5 meters wide, and is able to carry a cargo of up to 250Kg. Upon entering an area, the vehicle would be able to bring water and ammunition to the front lines of combat. It will also be able to rescue injured persons on the return flight.

Two air-conditioned cells are on its sides—the place where stretchers and the wounded will enter. The cells will also have devices for transfusions during flight. The AirMule’s flight speed will be able to reach approximately 170Km/h. According to Yoeli, all the combat forces in the world know that UAVs are needed for medical evacuation. “Combat in crowded areas, when all sorts of weapons fire is aimed at every helicopter approaching necessitates an alternative,” he says.

Yoeli explains that contrary to a helicopter, which requires an area clear of trees or electricity columns in order to land without obstructing the rotor, the AirMule can land on a narrow area, since its wing rotors are shielded by the vehicle’s hull.