HAI Pegasus

The HAI Pegasus (full name E1-79 ΠΗΓΑΣΟΣ) is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a product of the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI or EAB from the Greek initials). Its development started in 1979 in collaboration with KETA (Hellenic Air Force Research and Development Center) and its first flight was made in 1982. Its main uses are surveillance and intelligence gathering, The first generation (Pegasus I) had a length of 2.1 meters, wingspan 5 m, maximum speed 160 kilometers/hour, minimum speed 75 km/h, takeoff load 130 kilograms and autonomy 3.5 hours. After initial delays in the relevant program of the Greek Air Force, ten units (including the ground station infrastructure) were produced (a number of them by KEA) to facilitate its performance optimization. By 2003 it was already operational, while in 2005 a redesigned upgrade was introduced (Pegasus II) with advanced electronics, length 4.3 m, wingspan 6.2 m, takeoff load 250 kg and autonomy 15 hrs. Four units (each one including the aircraft and ground stations and equipment) are currently operational, with 12 more under construction by KEA. Pegasus II can carry a maximum payload weight of 50 kg, and thanks to the wide use of composite materials for its construction represents a substantial improvement of the Pegasus I design. Its technical features make it suitable for surveillance, target acquisition, and damage assessment and it is evaluated as an ELINT payload carrier. Expectations for its use as a weapons carrier are limited by its relatively small payload capacity (a payload capacity of 100 kg would render it more suitable for these type of missions).

References

• L.S. Skartsis, "Greek Vehicle & Machine Manufacturers 1800 to present: A Pictorial History", Marathon (2012) ISBN:978-960-93-4452-4 (eBook)

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