Unmanned helicopters for Angola: Edge Group hands over six HT-100 Naval after acceptance trials

The Angolan Navy has received six Anavia HT-100 Naval unmanned helicopters after the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Trials (FAT). This was announced by Edge Group. The naval programme under which the delivery takes place is worth billions: it provides for three corvettes valued at 1 billion euros.

Acceptance at Anavia in Bilten

The trials took place from 24 to 28 August at Anavia in Bilten (Switzerland). They were attended by a high-level delegation of representatives of the Angolan Navy and of Simportex. This Angolan state-owned company is responsible in the defence and security sector for supplying, acquiring and importing equipment, materiel and services.

For the first time, all six HT-100 Naval systems completed operational flight tests, an important milestone for the programme. Following the FAT, all systems were successfully handed over. This marks an important step towards integration with the BR71 MK II corvettes and an enhanced maritime surveillance and reconnaissance capability.

The successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Trials marks an important milestone in delivering this advanced capability to the Angolan Navy. Through close cooperation between Edge, Adsb and Anavia, we are combining naval platforms and unmanned systems to deliver an integrated solution tailored to Angola's operational requirements.— Khaled Al Zaabi, President – Platforms & Systems, Edge Group

Unmanned helicopters on board the BR71 MK II

The six HT-100 Naval will be embarked on three BR71 MK II Combattante corvettes; the ships are being delivered by Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), Edge's naval division. Two HT-100 Naval systems are planned per ship, fully linked to the combat management system of the respective corvette.

Sensing is provided by electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors. With them, the systems are to extend the ships' surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and provide an integrated unmanned capability for maritime operations.

This milestone demonstrates our ability to deliver a complete, fully autonomous system for shipborne operations, closely tailored to the customer's operational requirements. The close cooperation with the Angolan Navy, Edge and our industrial partners demonstrates our innovative capabilities and further strengthens international confidence in our products.— Ishan Sahgal, Co-CEO and founder of Anavia

Next: sea trials in Angola

With all six HT-100 Naval systems delivered, the programme is now moving on to installing them on the BR71 MK II platforms. The integrated capability will then be tested during sea trials on the ships in Angola, bringing operational service with the Angolan Navy closer.

The contract between Edge and the Angolan Navy, worth 1 billion euros, covers three 71-metre multi-purpose corvettes; the BR71 MK II programme is part of it. The first ship of the class, NRA Ekuikui II, has been launched in Cherbourg, France. While Adsb is working on the second corvette in Abu Dhabi, CMN Naval is building the third in Cherbourg.

For Edge, the programme represents a significant international commitment in the naval sector. At the same time, it supports the ongoing modernisation of the Angolan Navy and its maritime security requirements.