SKY-TRUCK Drone Prepares for Desert Trials
The Belarusian design bureau UAVHELI (operating under the brand name “Unmanned Helicopters”) will conduct high-temperature tests of its flagship heavy-lift drone, SKY-TRUCK, during the summer season. A specially modified version of the platform will be tested in the extreme climate of desert regions. Engineers will evaluate how the drone’s electronics, thermal management systems, and power units perform under intense heat, sand dust, and desert storms, according to BELTA.
The main advantage of the SKY-TRUCK project for the logistics market is its unique payload capacity and endurance. Unlike many foreign light-aircraft alternatives, this heavy helicopter-type drone is capable of rapidly and cost-effectively transporting large cargo loads, including medical supplies and spare parts, to hard-to-reach locations such as offshore oil platforms, sea vessels, and remote polar or desert stations. The use of such an unmanned aircraft can significantly reduce delivery costs while increasing transportation speed for commercial operators.
From a technical perspective, the helicopter offers impressive performance characteristics. Its maximum takeoff weight is 2,350 kg, while it can carry up to 600 kg of payload in a specialized under-fuselage AIR BOX cargo container. The aircraft can remain airborne for up to four hours without refueling, reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h, and cover distances of up to 480 km.
During the development process, the designers have been working closely with Russian specialists. Several key components, including the gearbox, will be manufactured in Russia. The platform has been fully adapted to accommodate various aircraft engines, including the Russian VK-650 and the international Rolls-Royce 250 series. The upcoming tests are expected to confirm the Belarusian drone’s ability to operate reliably in virtually any environment, paving the way for its entry into the global market for civil and industrial air transportation.
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