Alpha 800

Alpha 800 is a mini unmanned helicopter developed by Alpha Unmanned Systems of Spain, first flown in 2017.

Overview

The Alpha 800 is a single-rotor, carbon-fiber helicopter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) built for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) work as well as civil inspection and mapping tasks. Alpha Unmanned Systems introduced the aircraft in February 2017 as the successor to its earlier Sniper helicopter UAV, following roughly 18 months of redesign work that removed the main rotor's flybar and reworked the landing gear, cutting airframe weight and freeing capacity for a larger fuel tank.

The Spanish Army, through the General Directorate of Armament and Material (DGAM), acquired two Alpha 800 systems in December 2018, and the manufacturer classifies the type as a NATO Class 1 Mini UAV for tactical operations. Alpha Unmanned Systems has also supplied the aircraft for use in Asia, the Middle East and Europe for border-control and surveillance missions, without naming individual customers.

Design and capabilities

The Alpha 800 measures 1.7 m in length with a main rotor diameter of 1.8 m and a maximum takeoff weight of less than 14 kg. It is powered by a 32cc two-stroke gasoline engine producing up to 2.4 kW, feeding an onboard generator that supplies redundant electrical power to the flight-control and payload systems and removes the need for battery swaps between flights.

The airframe carries a standard payload of up to 3 kg, drawn from a catalog of interchangeable sensor packages that Alpha Unmanned Systems lists at up to 15 configurations, including dual day/night electro-optical cameras with up to 40x optical zoom, thermal imagers, multispectral sensors and LiDAR scanners. Onboard electronics are rated to at least IP64, allowing operation in rain and marine environments. The autopilot supports GPS, GLONASS and optional RTK positioning, offers fully autonomous or manual flight modes, and includes an automatic autorotation function intended to bring the helicopter down safely after an engine failure. Alpha Unmanned Systems states the type can be unpacked, checked and launched by two operators in under seven minutes, and it takes off and lands vertically without a runway. Manufacturer literature lists an endurance of up to 2.5 hours, an operational range of up to 50 km, and a service ceiling of 3,000 m.

Operational history

The Spanish Army's DGAM procured two Alpha 800 units in December 2018 for tactical evaluation. Alpha Unmanned Systems has also described broader use of the platform for border-control and surveillance missions in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, and has marketed the aircraft for public-safety roles such as fire assessment, communications relay and infrastructure inspection, including electric-transmission-line surveys. The aircraft remains in production and in service.

Variants

The Alpha 800 is part of Alpha Unmanned Systems' family of single-rotor helicopter UAVs, which also includes the larger, STANAG 4738-compliant Alpha 900 introduced for maritime and naval missions. The Alpha 800 itself replaced the manufacturer's earlier Sniper helicopter UAV in February 2017, inheriting its carbon-fiber rotorcraft layout while adding a redesigned rotor head and landing gear.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Alpha 800 first fly?

Alpha Unmanned Systems introduced the Alpha 800 in February 2017 as the successor to its earlier Sniper helicopter UAV.

What is the Alpha 800's maximum takeoff weight?

The manufacturer lists a maximum takeoff weight of less than 14 kg.

How long can the Alpha 800 stay airborne?

Alpha Unmanned Systems states an endurance of up to 2.5 hours per flight.

What payload can the Alpha 800 carry?

The aircraft carries a standard payload of up to 3 kg, selected from a range of interchangeable EO/IR, multispectral and LiDAR sensor packages.

Who operates the Alpha 800?

The Spanish Army acquired two units in December 2018 through its General Directorate of Armament and Material; the manufacturer also cites use in Asia, the Middle East and Europe for border control and surveillance.

What engine does the Alpha 800 use?

It is powered by a 32cc two-stroke gasoline engine producing up to 2.4 kW.