SkyFall unveils new StarGate hexacopter for casualty evacuation

Ukrainian drone manufacturer SkyFall has developed a new StarGate copter for evacuating wounded soldiers. The UAV can carry 150 kg and is equipped with enclosed medical stretchers, which can accommodate one soldier with combat gear. This week, it was handed over to the Code 9.2 regiment for testing at positions, the Associated Press reports.

The request for the drone came from the commander of the Code 9.2 drone assault regiment, Oleksandr Nastenko (callsign “Flint”). The problem was that reaching the wounded by vehicle is difficult due to drone attacks, while evacuation using UGVs takes two to three hours and is complicated by road conditions.

StarGate can fly 15 km one way, and its maximum speed is 105 km/h. Judging by the AP report, the UAV is also equipped with an electronic warfare system and a net launcher for protection against FPV drones.

Preparation for flight takes 10 minutes, and StarGate is equipped with thermal imaging cameras for night missions.

The evacuation UAV uses two communication channels: Starlink and the company’s own system called L-Link. It also has several AI functions that allow it to fly under EW conditions.

If communication is lost completely, the drone can plot a route back to a safe zone. It can also continue moving after losing one of the arms.

The price of one platform starts at $50,000, depending on configuration. If the tests are successful, SkyFall plans to reach monthly production of 1,000 units by the end of this year.

In early October, the company also officially unveiled its own mid-strike drone, announced in the summer. The UAV was named Thor Hammer. It carries a 40–50 kg warhead and reaches speeds of up to 180 km/h.