Sweden eyes unmanned combat aircraft

Signal, Dec 2000

Swedish aerospace experts are performing wind tunnel experiments aimed at developing an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). The aircraft, which would be about 10 meters (33 feet) long and have a takeoff weight of about 5,000 kilograms (11,000 pounds), would complement existing piloted aircraft.

Known as the Swedish highly advanced research configuration (SHARC), the UCAV program goals include low signatures to reduce aerodynamic requirements. Stealthy characteristics would obviate the need for costly defensive sensors and countermeasures, and the performance envelope of the aircraft would be less extreme if it does not need to resort to 20g-evasive maneuvers to avoid anti-aircraft fire.

The UCAV project is part of Sweden's National Aeronautics Research Program, known as the NFFP. The collaborative effort encompasses Saab Aerospace (www.saab.se), Ericsson (www.ericsson.com), Saab Avionics (www.esavionics.se), Saab Dynamics (www.Saab.se/dynamics) and the Aeronautical Research Institute of Sweden (www.ffa.se) in Stockholm, where the wind tunnel tests are being performed.