Aerovel’s Flexrotor, designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions at sea and over land, will contribute to Airbus Helicopters’ UAS offering.
Airbus Helicopters has signed an agreement to acquire Aerovel, a company specializing in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and its Flexrotor unmanned aerial system. This strategic move is part of Airbus Helicopters’ broader strategy to enhance its portfolio of tactical unmanned solutions. Flexrotor, designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions at sea and over land, will contribute to Airbus Helicopters’ UAS offering.
Bruno Even, CEO, Airbus Helicopters said,“We are looking forward to welcoming Aerovel into the Airbus family. This strategic acquisition aligns with our vision to expand our UAS offering and respond to a growing customer demand worldwide for additional mission capabilities such as manned-unmanned teaming. Aerovel’s expertise in autonomous flight technology will undoubtedly complement our UAS development with the VSR700, as well as the work that we have been doing to develop interoperability.”
The Flexrotor, characterized as a modern Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft, can operate for over 12-14 hours in a typical configuration for ISTAR missions. With a maximum launch weight of 25 kg, it can integrate various payloads, including an electro-optical system and advanced sensors. Its ability to autonomously launch and recover from land or sea in a small area makes it suitable for expeditionary missions with minimal footprint.
Ali Dian, CEO, Aerovel said, “Joining forces with Airbus will allow us to scale innovation, accelerate our mission to advance unmanned aviation, and maintain our unwavering support for the US military and its allies. We are proud to become part of an organisation with a rich legacy of aerospace excellence and we look forward to leveraging our combined strengths to define the future of autonomous systems. It will also be a great tribute to our Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Tad McGeer, who has spent the last 30 years committed to delivering innovative unmanned products.”
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The acquisition will see Aerovel, based in Bingen, Washington, remaining a US-owned company and continuing collaboration with the US Department of Defense (DoD) under Airbus’ Special Security Agreement (SSA). The completion of the acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions, with the closing expected in 2024.
Question – What is the purpose of Aerovel’s Flexrotor unmanned aerial system?
Answer – Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions at sea and over land.
Question – How long can the Flexrotor operate in a typical configuration for ISTAR missions?
Answer – Over 12-14 hours.
Question – What makes the Flexrotor suitable for expeditionary missions?
Answer – Its ability to autonomously launch and recover from land or sea in a small area.
Note– MRO Business Today is the Principal Media Partner of the 5th MRO SOUTH ASIA SUMMIT 2024 co-located with the MRO XPO INDIA & AIRCRAFT INTERIORS INDIA 2024 to be held on 27,28 & 29 February 2024 at the Le Méridien New Delhi, India.
