United Aircraft's UR6000 tiltrotor AAV concept. (Janes)
United Aircraft, a China-based manufacturer of logistics and surveillance rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), revealed a concept of its UR6000 tiltrotor autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) during the Singapore Airshow 2024 held from 20 to 25 February.
Speaking to Janes , an official from United Aircraft said the UR6000 AAV is a fully autonomous platform being designed for cargo and passenger transport applications. The AAV is being developed independently and has progressed from its detailed design to early prototyping phase, the official added.
According to the company, the UR6000 has a maximum take-off weight of 6,100 kg, a commercial payload carrying capability of 2,000 kg, a cruise speed of 550 km/h, a service ceiling of 7,620 m, and can cover a maximum flight distance of 1,500 km.
The UR6000 features a high-wing configuration having constant-chord wings with tiltable rotors mounted to fixed engine pods at the tips of the wings. The AAV concept features each engine fitted with three-blade rotors. The forward section of the fuselage features canard surfaces. The concept depicts a large cargo door on the port side towards the aft section of the fuselage. The AAV features a U-shaped empennage configuration with two horizontal and two vertical stabilisers.
The official did not share any specific data about the UR6000's powerplant. Janes assesses that the AAV could be equipped with two turboshaft engines, each with an estimated power rating in the range of 1,500– 2,000 shp.
Development of the platform began during 2021 and the certification of the AAV is expected to be completed by 2027. A full-scale prototype is likely to be unveiled at the Zhuhai Air Show later in 2024, the official added .
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