he modernisation of the signalling and telemanagement systems, as well as the installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) on the SKA-Promachonas railway line, the main railway axis of the country, is proceeding methodically in spite of the chronic problems and great difficulties, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras said on Wednesday.
Finance Minister Christos Staikouras spoke about the prospects of the Greek economy, the course of exports and investments, the support measures, but also about the discussions taking place in the EU on the energy crisis and the revision of the Stability Pact, in an interview with CNBC's Joumanna Bercetche on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The final design of an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone - UAV) system is nearing completion, through the "Archytas" program, according to Minister of Finance Christos Staikouras.
It is worth noting that the implementation of the "Archytas" program began on September 1, 2021.
As it follows from what Mr. Staikouras mentions, the Ministry of Finance has decided "to finance the design of a second, more complex unmanned aerial vehicle", with the relevant announcements expected to follow in early 2023
According to the quarterly report of the authorities, "this national effort is progressing with almost absolute consistency to the planning", said Mr. Staikouras.
In particular, in the past quarter, test flights of the scaled aircraft were successfully carried out, both in the conventional way and in the vertical take-off and landing mode, and thus its final, detailed design is nearing completion.
Beyond that, Mr. Staikouras notes that after the completion of its construction, there will be test flights, checks, certifications, costings of alternative types of vehicles and acceptance by EAB of orders for the manufacture of aircraft from users.
Staikouras for Archytas: Around mid-October experimental flights of the Greek drone
"About 2 years ago, an effort was started to form a collaboration between the Ministry of Finance, the Hellenic Aviation Industry (EAB), the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Democritus University of Thrace and the University of Thessaly.
The aim is for the wider public sector to become a designer and producer of drone systems.
During the period until today, with funding from the Ministry of Finance, the "Archytas" program has been structured.
The program aims at the design and industrial production of an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone – UAV) system of multiple uses and types.
The implementation of the "Archytas" program began on September 1, 2021.
According to the quarterly report of the authorities, this national effort is progressing with almost absolute consistency to the planning.
In particular, in the past quarter, test flights of the scaled aircraft were successfully carried out, both in the conventional way and in the vertical take-off and landing mode, and thus its final, detailed design is nearing completion.
a. Supplies of necessary materials and devices continue.
b. The construction of the special area and the industrial production line is progressing.
c. The construction of the designed molds begins. In the quarter that started (until the end of February 2023) their construction will be completed and towards the end of it the construction of the prototype vehicle will begin.
After the completion of its construction, there will be test flights, checks, certifications, costing of alternative types of vehicles and taking over by HAI orders for the manufacture of aircraft from users.
Thus, we consider that we can now call on Greek entrepreneurship, which produces or wishes to produce the necessary materials and devices for aircraft, with international competitiveness in terms of quality and prices, to coordinate its action with the HAI.
Therefore, our firm political will, the consistent course of work, the reliability, effectiveness and efficiency of those involved, formed the basis for the Ministry of Finance to decide to finance the design of a second, more complex unmanned aerial vehicle. Related announcements will follow in early 2023.
Therefore, the developments in this crucial field show that the Greeks both want and can make our homeland stronger in all aspects".