SAS Technology marks one more milestone on UCAV SARISA 2.75'' Rocket fire testing programme

SAS Technology, the Greek innovator in unmanned aerial vehicles, proudly announces the completion of yet another milestone, as the UCAV SARISA completed the second 2.75'' aerial rocket fire testing. 

This milestone achievement solidifies SAS Technology's position as a trailblazer in the development of state-of-the-art weaponised Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

Key facts

• The Hellenic GDDIA supervises the testing campaign: The first Greek armed unmanned vehicle, UCAV SARISA, is being meticulously tested under the supervision of the Hellenic MOD’s GDDIA at its firing range, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of safety and precision. 
• Dynamic Collaboration with HDS: SAS Technology's partnership with Hellenic Defence Systems (HDS) has been instrumental in the programme's success. The active and productive memorandum of cooperation between the two companies has paved the way for groundbreaking innovations. 
• THALES Group Support: The esteemed THALES Group, through its Belgian Business Unit (Thales Belgium), has provided unwavering support by supplying the test ammunition and issuing a UCAV SARISA certification document, for all the range of its 2.75’’ rocket series. Their expressed intention to continue collaboration for testing their highly reliable and effective guided rockets (FZ275 LGR), further expands the programme's horizons. As an attestation of the outstanding cooperation and results of the SARISA weaponisation programme testing, the THALES Group issued a public announcement on its website.

Results of the 2nd aerial rocket fire testing

The second aerial test firing, was conducted on 27-6-23 and was fully successful, fulfilling all its objectives as described below:

• Launcher inclination system: A new system designed to change the angle of the launcher in the vertical plane and assist aiming. During the test, it worked flawlessly.
• Pinpoint accuracy: Despite challenging wind conditions, with an average windspeed intensity of 12m/s (6+bft), the UCAV SARISA demonstrated impeccable aiming capabilities, hitting the aimed point (in reference to the coastline), with great precision.
• Reduced rocket recoil effects: Effective aerodynamic and mechanical enhancements, designed and implemented by SAS Technology's experts, significantly mitigated the rocket's supersonic exhaust gases blast effects, ensuring enhanced stability and control during firing. 

Next steps

With the successful completion of the development phase of the UCAV SARISA weaponisation with 2.75’’ rockets, SAS Technology is gearing up for tactical operation testing using production models.

• Informing the relevant Hellenic MOD branches: The Hellenic MOD Branches that responded to the SAS proposal for presentation of its systems and capabilities, have already been presented in detail with the SARISA capabilities. They were also presented with all the programmes the company has either in production or under development. Along with these presentations, some strategic proposals were also made by SAS, that involve cooperation with the Hellenic Armed Forces to enhance operational capabilities of existing systems in service.
• Acknowledging Corporate Funding and Advocating for MOD Cooperation: SAS Technology proudly highlights that all achievements thus far, have been made possible through corporate funding, underscoring its technological competence and innovativeness on international level. However, the company emphasises that, besides the expressed interest from multiple international entities, for collaboration in developing products that combine SAS UCAVS with their state-of-the-art defence systems, the significance of active MOD participation and cooperation for the continued development and evolution of cutting-edge defence systems remains a crucial factor. 
• Future Firing Tests Under Realistic Operational Scenarios: SAS Technology has proposed to the relevant MOD branches, to commonly conduct tests based on realistic operational scenarios using live ammunition. These tests are to encompass both unguided and guided rockets used in multiple operational scenarios and environments.

UCAV SARISA testing programme

As SAS Technology celebrates one more successful milestone, the team remains steadfast in its commitment to pioneering groundbreaking advancements in the defence sector.

The successful UCAV SARISA testing programme underscores the company's dedication to shaping the future of unmanned aerial vehicles in defence applications and bolstering its position within the international competition.