10th October 2019:
UMS introduces range of innovative training initiatives as part of ongoing expansion strategy; shows off for the first time full-scale model of pioneering SKELDAR V-200 platform with ViDAR pod attached.
Europe’s leading provider of Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms, UMS SKELDAR, has taken the opportunity as part of its enhanced involvement in the Asia Pacific region to showcase for the first time its market-leading SKELDAR V-200 Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) platform with ViDAR (Visual Detection and Ranging) pod at Pacific 2019. To coincide with this world first, UMS will also be introducing its new range of innovative training initiatives at the event as part of its ongoing expansion strategy.
Incorporating the development of a new 450 square metre facility in Sweden, which will provide additional capacity for its software operations and research and development, UMS has bolstered its enterprise ahead of what it expects to be its most successful year yet. Alongside the new facilities, the company has grown its workforce by 154% across the two sites, as well as enhanced its partner network with organisations including Saab Australia, QinetiQ, Nordic Unmanned and Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH (ESG) providing critical support to UMS’ global operations.
David Willems
David Willems, UMS SKELDAR’s new VP Business Development and Strategy, explains:
“It’s an exciting time for the company as we grow our product engineering facility in Sweden and continue to work closely with colleagues in Switzerland on prototyping and product testing and modification. As demand for our UAV platforms grows and we develop products more widely, there are a number of different contracts with diverse requirements which we must deliver in parallel, creating the need for customer support roles, as well as back-office functions including finance, planning co-ordination, project management, logistics and strategic sourcing. Our new capacity will help us to deliver in these capabilities.”
Willems continues:
“With new rules of engagement coming in the next 12 months in the Unmanned Aerial Systems’ (UAS) industry, the need for change in the way training is delivered has become a must. A vital part of any UAS campaign, UMS has overhauled the way its training strategies and courses are delivered as part of a wider programme of developing the highest quality UAV standards, all designed to pave the way for the impending regulations towards the end of this year.”
UMS SKELDAR began in its current form in March 2016 with just 36 employees. Operating with two key rotary vehicle platforms, including the market-leading SKELDAR V-200, UMS has positioned itself as Europe’s leading provider of Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the maritime space. With credentials including the industry-pioneering heavy-fuel engine which provides significantly unmatched time between overhauls (TBO); enhanced features including extended endurance, engine management system and payload capabilities; as well as being STANAG 4586 compliant, the SKELDAR V-200 is the prime UAV candidate for global NATO navies.