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The prime contractor has trialed the take-off and landing capabilities of a newly developed UAS platform.
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Airbus Helicopters has conducted trials at sea of its VSR700 unmanned aerial system (UAS) being developed as part of the SDAM (Système de drone aérien de la Marine) program, conducted by the French Armament General Directorate for the French Navy.
Trials, which were conducted off the coast of Brest, France, leveraged an optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) based on a modified Guimbal Cabri G2.
The tests were conducted in preparation for an upcoming demonstration of the VSR700, at sea, onboard a French Navy frigate.
“These tests in real-life conditions constitute a crucial step towards the campaign that we will conduct at sea with the DGA and the French Navy later this year,” Nicolas Delmas, head of the VSR700 program for Airbus Helicopters, said.
“Using the OPV, we have demonstrated the unique autonomous take-off and landing capabilities of the VSR700.
“We have also proved the optimal functioning of the vehicle and its command station interface on board a vessel in realistic conditions.”
The exercise was also aimed at assessing the approach procedures before landing on the civilian vessel used in the trials.
The range of the VSR700, in proximity to a vessel, was confirmed to be fully compatible with naval operations.
The VSR700is expected to offer a balance of payload capability, endurance and operational cost, and is reportedly capable of carrying multiple full-size naval sensors for extended periods.
The UAS is designed to operate from existing ships, alongside a helicopter, with a low logistical footprint.
The first prototype of the VSR700 conducted its maiden flight in 2020 before expanding its range in 2021.
The DGA ordered a second prototype of the VSR700 in April 2021 to focus on trials covering SDAM requirements.
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