UAVOS has started testing its converted UVH-500 delivery unmanned aerial system.

Designed to compete in an advanced long distance and intercity transportation segment of the UAV delivery market, the long-range heavy-lift UVH-500 UAS is based on the piloted CH7 helicopter platform. The trial involves testing of the air basic aircraft systems, emergency operating modes including autorotation landing, flights with a cargo container weighing up to 287 lb (130 kg).

The UVH-500 has been created as a part of UAVOS's pilot into unmanned aircraft conversion programme and addresses the growing market of UAV cargo delivery. Measuring 23 ft (7 metres) long, 5 ft (1.50 metres) wide and 7.7 ft (2.35 metres) tall, and with a rotor diameter of 20.6 ft (6.28 metres), it is capable of carrying up to 353 lb (160 kg) with a range of up to 522 miles (840 km).

UAVOS's conversion solutions incorporate installing an increased fuel tank and setting repositioned and larger heat exchangers that make wider operational temperatures range. UAVOS's parachute system has been installed as well. Cockpit, push/pull rods and flight instruments have been removed. The autonomous system mounted on the UVH-500 belongs to a family of autopilot solutions developed by UAVOS.

Enhancing the unmanned helicopter with UAVOS's autopilot gives additional features and advantages to the existing options: automatic take-off and landing, remote Ground Controls network capability, autorotation landing capability and high efficiency flight control, based on TECS (Total Energy Control System). The aircraft is also equipped with Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) data link system for over-the-horizon operations.