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Singapore's ST Engineering reveals Unmanned Hybrid Vehicle

By Ryan Maass
ST Engineering's new Unmanned Hybrid Vehicle has been tested in the water, but has yet to take its first flight. Image by ST Engineering.
ST Engineering's new Unmanned Hybrid Vehicle has been tested in the water, but has yet to take its first flight. Image by ST Engineering.

CHANGI, Singapore, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Singapore-based ST Engineering has revealed an unmanned vehicle that can be used for both underwater and flight operations.

The Unmanned Hybrid Vehicle, or UHV, was presented during the 2016 Singapore Airshow. Defense News reports the UHV flies on a single pusher propeller which is designed to fold when the craft descends into water.

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The craft has gone through underwater testing, though the company has been unable to flight test the UHV yet due to regulations.

"We've not flown the vehicle due to restrictions [on unmanned aircraft operation] in Singapore," ST Aerospace senior vice president explained. "We're looking for a good location and hope to find one this year."

Tay went on to detail the vehicle's characteristics and capabilities, saying the 55-pound vehicle is able to stay in the air for between 20 and 25 minutes, and has a flight range of 4.3 nautical miles. The UHV can reach speeds up to 4 to 5 knots while underwater.

"Not many countries are comfortable with a 25kg [55 pounds] experimental aircraft in their airspace," Tay added.

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