UMS SKELDAR joins forces with Scanfil to create dedicated volume production line for flagship unmanned helicopter
Following major contract wins and in line with its global expansion strategy UMS SKELDAR, the world-class provider of rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) solutions and avionics software, has teamed up with international outsource manufacturing contractor Scanfil to ramp up its volume production capability.
The announcement represents a significant boost to production of the NATO-compliant heavy-fuel SKELDAR V-200, according to Axel Cavalli-Bjorkman, CEO of UMS SKELDAR, the joint venture between Saab and UMS AERO GROUP: “The rationale for contracting out volume production was compelling, and based on more than a year of collaboration where our engineers and production team have worked closely with Scanfil to ensure that all technical aspects have been taken into account.
“We have been extremely impressed by the professionalism and the rigorous standards across the production team. This close relationship is a true partnership of expertise and importantly provides us with immediate volume production as we progress our world navy strategy in parallel to expansion of our service offering globally.”
The VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) SKELDAR V-200 and its variants will be produced at Scanfil’s manufacturing facility at Åtvidaberg, just 30 kilometers south of UMS SKELDAR’s Swedish base in Linköping, ensuring efficient communications and logistics.
According to UMS SKELDAR, the German Navy contract, is seen by many as a template for best practice in rotary UAV VTOL across NATO forces, in a range of missions.
It is envisaged that the first batch will include up to 10 UAV systems, with a significant capacity to increase the production volume. Series production is due to start by January 2019. UMS SKELDAR will continue to develop prototypes, complete software installation 6 and base its R&D programmes at its facilities in Switzerland (Möhlin) and Sweden (Linköping).
Finnish-owned Scanfil, with 10 manufacturing locations worldwide, employs 3,500 people and as contract manufacturers in Sweden boasts manufacturing experience in the aerospace sector, including helicopters, and other technologies such as medical devices.
“This solution is not just a great fit in terms of technology skills sets,” explains Per-Erik Cardell Site Manager Sweden and Product Manager SKELDAR V-200. “The fact that the company meets stringent standards demanded in a range of sectors, and relevant aerospace experience provides us with the ideal partner, and our collaboration allows us to quickly react to customer demand.”
Steve Creutz, Managing Director at Scanfil in Åtvidaberg add: “We are very excited about the UMS SKELDAR venture. It is a customer who integrates perfectly with our experience of manufacturing advanced technology products and will benefit from our skills and processes and adherence to the highest production standards.”
SKELDAR V-200 and its variants, are used in a range of applications across military and civilian sectors, with roles including ISR, SAR, tactical logistics support and inspection and maintenance.
For more information on UMS SKELDAR, including its world leading platforms, click on http://umsskeldar.aero/.
ENDS
This release has been issued on behalf of UMS SKELDAR by Kredo Consulting Ltd. For further information please contact Philip Hicks on phil@kredoconsulting.com or +44 (0) 7467 510339 or Andy Parker on andy@kredoconsulting.com or +44 (0) 7860 833036.
About UMS SKELDAR: UMS SKELDAR, a joint venture between Saab and UMS AERO Group, is Europe’s leading provider of Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms including the unmatched NATO-compliant rotary SKELDAR V-200 and the ITAR-free light-tactical R-350. Incorporating the Sentient Vision Systems ViDAR (Visual identification Detection and Ranging) payload into its vertical take-off & landing (VTOL) fleet, UMS SKELDAR is engaged in a highly active research and development programme, and provides solutions to a wide variety of defence, civil security and maritime sectors globally. The company is headquartered near Basel in Switzerland, with twin manufacturing facilities in Switzerland (Möhlin) and Sweden (Linköping) and offers a comprehensive unmanned aerial systems (UAS) solutions portfolio. The company provides a total solutions capability globally, including development, manufacture, testing, training, consultancy, maintenance, managed services and finance options (incorporating purchase/leasing and lease purchase). Find out more about UMS SKELDAR: www.umsskeldar.aero.
About Scanfil: Scanfil is an international contract manufacturer and system supplier for the electronics industry with 40 years of experience in demanding contract manufacturing. Scanfil provides its customers with an extensive array of services, ranging from product design to product manufacturing, material procurement and logistics solutions. Vertically integrated production and a comprehensive supply chain are the foundation of Scanfil’s competitive advantages: speed, flexibility and reliability. Typical Scanfil products include mobile and communications network devices, automation system modules, frequency converters, lift control systems, analyzers, various slot and vending machines, and devices related to medical technology and meteorology. Scanfil services are used by numerous international automation, energy, IT and health service providers, as well as companies operating in the field of urbanization. Scanfil’s network of factories consists of 10 production units in Europe, Asia and North America. The total number of employees is 3,500.
