Swiss manufacturer ANAVIA has officially delivered six HT-100 Naval uncrewed helicopters to the Angolan Navy. The handover took place at the manufacturer’s facilities in Switzerland, after Angolan Navy representatives completed the technical acceptance process for the aircraft.
Beyond the six HT-100 Naval units, the package acquired by Angola also includes electro-optical/infrared sensors and maritime control stations. The delivery is part of a broader naval modernization plan aimed at expanding the country’s maritime surveillance and reconnaissance capacity. Once operational, the six HT-100s will be distributed in pairs across the three new BR71 MK II-class corvettes the Angolan Navy is putting into service, extending the vessels’ reconnaissance reach. The class’s first ship, NRA Ekuikui II, was launched in Cherbourg, France, on March 4, 2026.
HT-100 Naval’s Tailless Twin-Rotor Design
The HT-100 Naval stands out for its design featuring two synchronized Flettner-type main rotors, eliminating the need for a tail rotor. According to the manufacturer, this system redirects roughly 30% more power toward useful lift rather than torque compensation, resulting in greater range and payload capacity compared with a conventional single-rotor design.
Powered by a turbine that consumes approximately 9 liters of Jet A-1 (aviation kerosene) per hour, the HT-100 has a maximum take-off weight of 120 kg, a payload capacity of 60 kg, and a maximum mission range of 600 kilometers or six hours of flight. Built from corrosion-resistant carbon fiber, the HT-100 Naval’s airframe was designed specifically for maritime operations.
Radar-Guided Landing, No GPS Required
To operate safely from ship decks on the open sea, the HT-100 Naval is equipped with an autonomous, radar-guided landing system that works independently of GPS signals and requires no human operator. This technology enables precise approach and landing even under rough sea conditions, and the aircraft also carries emergency equipment such as a harpoon deck-lock and flotation systems for recovery at sea.
Headquartered in Bilten, Switzerland, with additional operations in the neighboring town of Näfels, ANAVIA is part of the UAE’s EDGE Group, which acquired a 52% majority stake in the company in late 2023.
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Source: C4Defence–Força Aérea Brasil
