ASVEC
ASVEC (UK) Ltd
Contents
History
ASVEC (UK) Ltd (formerly known as Transcom), with works at Totton, Southampton, developed a self supporting mobile reconnaissance system known as ASVEC (Aerial Surveillance VEhiCle), the airborne componant of which is the Merlin RPV.
In 1986 the company introduced the Swift, a low-cost aerial target designed to UK MoD specifications for use with ground-to-air missile and anti-aircraft systems, which could also be deployed on non-target missions such as ECM, artillery ranging and surveillance.
The company went into administration on 16 February 1990.
Company References
- Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 1985-86 ed. John W R Taylor
- Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 1986-87 ed. John W R Taylor
- The London Gazette 28 Feb 1990
Project Data
| Project No | Type No | Name | Alternative Name(s) | Year | Spec (Requirement) | Status | Qty | Description | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TC1B | Merlin M100 | Proto? | ?? | Unmanned RPV | 1 | ||||
| Merlin M200 | Proto? | ?? | Unmanned RPV | 1 | |||||
| Swift | Proto | ?? | Unmanned RPV | 1 |
Project References
- Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 1985-86 ed. John W R Taylor
- Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 1986-87 ed. John W R Taylor
Production Details and Type Description
High-Wing monoplane with central fuselage nacelle, twin tailbooms, and twin fins and rudders bridged at top by tailplane with one-piece elevator. Manufactured from double skinned GRP with a honeycomb core; Wings had a foam infill. The main wing comprised a centre-section and two outer panels, and could be bolted to the fuselage at one of several positions to cater for CG changes caused by different payloads. The fuselage consisted of a nosecone, main body and engine cowling. The nosecone incorporated an optically ground clear plastics windows to permit undistorted video images. Reinforced skids were located beneath the fuselage for attaching to the launching platform and for conventional landings. 22 lb payload. One 3-6 h.p. 50 cc Quadra single-cylinder two-stroke engine, mounted in rear of fuselage and driving a two-blade wooden pusher propeller.
Available in the following variants:
RPT : Trainirig version for use with the Asvec pilot training programme. Slightly smaller than standard M100, normally fitted with radio control equipment only.
RPX : Low-cost expendable version of M100, Operated under manual control. Payload comprises monochrome TV camera, plus a container for explosives and an impact detonator.
Production unknown.
As M100 except for 55 lb payload and powerplant: One 7.75 hp 70 cc Homer two-cylmder two-stroke, driving a two-blade propeller. Available in the following variants:
RPR : ‘Repeater’ version, designed to operate in conjunction with RPL by relaying transmissions between surveillance RPV and mobile ground station.
RPS : Medium range surveillance version, 62 mile range.
| Merlin 200 Specification | |||||||||
| Span | Length | Height | Wing Area | Empty Wt | Max AUW | Cruise Speed | Maximum Speed | Range | Service Ceiling |
| 11 ft 4 in | 10 ft | 3 ft 4 in | 19.2 sq ft | 44 lb | 99 lb | 59 mph/ 51 kn | 112 mph/ 97 kn | 155 mi | 15000 ft |
| 3.45 m | 3.05 m | 1.02 m | 1.78 m2 | 20 kg | 45 kg | 95 km/h | 180 km/h | 249 km | 4572 m |
Production unknown.
Generally the same as the Merlin, except for smaller size and a circular section fuselage. One 10 h.p. 100 cc Homer two-cylmder two-stroke, driving a two-blade tractor propeller.
| Swift Specification | |||||||||
| Span | Length | Height | Wing Area | Empty Wt | Max AUW | Cruise Speed | Maximum Speed | Range | Service Ceiling |
| 9 ft | 7 ft 6 in | 74 lb | 161 mph/ 140 kn | 1 hr 30 min | 9750 ft | ||||
| 2.74 m | 2.29 m | 34 kg | 259 km/h | 2972 m | |||||
Production unknown.
Total ASVEC Production???
Page Revision History
Revised at Version 2.0.0- Added Merlin 100, 200 in place of generic Merlin.
- Added Swift.
- Added Type Description and Specification details.