The Turkish defence industry is combining its success in UCAVs with nano technology. Developed by Uludoğan Defence, the nano-unmanned helicopter “NanoAlp” derives its silence from owls and its intelligence from domestic algorithms. Capable of staying in the air for over 35 minutes and performing fully autonomous missions even in caves/buildings without GPS, NanoAlp is preparing to become the new quarterback of Special Forces and Police units in the field.
While the era of “large” platforms continues in the defence industry, the era of micro systems that “see without being seen” is beginning. Developed by Uludoğan Defence NanoAlp, The nana helicopter was showcased as Turkey's most ambitious project in the nano class. The nana helicopter, produced by Uludoğan Defence, stands out from its competitors especially with its “silence” and “confined space capability”.
Owl Silence 70 Decibels to 50 Decibels
The most critical innovation that distinguishes NanoAlp from its competitors is hidden in the propeller (blade) design. Uludoğan Defence, while designing the helicopter's blades, has chosen the most silent hunter of nature. from the wing structure of owls was inspired by the film.
- Helicopter Architecture Advantage: Unlike standard drones (multicopters), the mechanics of a single rotor helicopter provide higher lift by rotating at a lower speed. This physical advantage naturally reduces engine noise.
- Silent Pal Design: Special design in the form of an owl's wing, which ensures a high sound level %17’lik (lineer algıda ciddi bir düşüş) a reduction was achieved. Sound reduction from 70 decibels 50 decibels (the noise level of an average room), ensuring that the vehicle cannot be heard by targets below, even when flying 3-4 metres overhead. This is a vital capability for covert operations.
Technical Features Class Upgraded: 35+ Minutes and 3.5 Km Range
The biggest limitation in Nano-class vehicles is battery life. However, NanoAlp pushes these limits thanks to its optimised body structure and energy efficiency.
- Flight Duration: Vehicle, Over 35 minutes It provides operational continuity by staying in the air. (In competitors, this period is usually in the 20-25 minutes band).
- Range: 3.5 kilometres It can transfer images to a very ambitious range for the nano class.
- Operation Day/Night: It provides 24/7 intelligence with its high-resolution sensors and thermal/night vision capabilities.
GPS or “Sensor Fusion”
The most strategic area of use of NanoAlp is inside buildings, caves, tunnels or GPS jamming sites where GPS signals cannot reach.
Uludogan stated that the system “Sensor Fusion” technology to find its way around. The vehicle maps its surroundings by processing data from the sensors on board, and can fly fully autonomously without the need for GPS. This feature enables the Bordo Berets or Police Special Operations Forces (PÖH) to detect threats in residential areas and cave operations without entering the area.
Why Nano Helicopter?
NanoAlp, which has an ultra-light body structure, exhibits a more stable flight characteristic than drones with multiple propellers in windy weather thanks to its single rotor structure. Offering high manoeuvrability in closed and narrow areas, the system takes the flight load off the operator, allowing the soldier to focus only on the image on the screen and the tactical situation.
A Niche Talent Acquisition to Rival the Black Hornet
These technical data presented by Uludoğan show that the system has the potential to compete with the world-famous Black Hornet, and even surpass it in terms of cost-effectiveness. The number of nano helicopters with this level of technology integration is extremely limited worldwide. Combining sensors, flight control systems and artificial intelligence components in a balanced 33-gram architecture, NanoAlp proves Turkey's technological maturity in this niche area.
