The SKY-TRUCK unmanned cargo helicopter, developed by the Belarusian company UAVHELI (Design Bureau of Unmanned Helicopters), successfully completed the first phase of flight testing in the summer of this year. On June 26–27, the optionally piloted aircraft was showcased in Minsk at the IV Eurasian Economic Forum, according to the company’s press release.
The SKY-TRUCK is a robotic cargo platform equipped with a hybrid propulsion system. It features a Rolls-Royce 250 series turboshaft engine running on aviation kerosene and a 250 kW electric motor. This flexible powertrain configuration allows the aircraft to meet various international standards and facilitates entry into global markets. The coaxial rotor layout eliminates the need for a tail rotor, simplifying the airframe and enhancing aerodynamic efficiency.
The SKY-TRUCK has a maximum takeoff weight of 6,600 lbs (3,000 kg) and a payload capacity of up to 1,320 lbs (600 kg). The operational range is 300 miles (480 km), with a maximum cruise speed of 112 mph (180 km/h) and an endurance of up to 5 hours. The helicopter operates in conjunction with the AIRBOX cargo container, which mounts beneath the fuselage to ensure secure and efficient loading and unloading in all weather conditions.
The integrated avionics suite enables fully automated takeoff, hover, and landing operations, as well as payload management and real-time data transmission. All onboard system statuses are displayed on a digital operator console.
SKY-TRUCK was initially designed for cargo delivery to offshore oil platforms, where reliability and autonomous operation are critical. Its mission profile has since expanded to include a broader range of logistics tasks in remote areas with limited infrastructure.
Long-endurance autonomous flights and high payload capacity make the SKY-TRUCK a promising solution for logistics in the oil and gas sector, maritime operations, and remote facilities. The development and successful testing of this new UAV coincide with growing global interest in unmanned helicopters, particularly within the Eurasian Economic Union and beyond, where such platforms can deliver efficient cargo and service solutions.
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