Airbus unveils Eurodrone attack drone with Hellfire missiles and Paveway bombs - a contract for the production of 21 UAVs worth €7.1 billion has been signed

As part of the air show ILA 2022 in Berlin French Aircraft Company Airbus presented the concept of a strike drone Eurodrone.

What is known

In project Eurodrone besides Airbus take part French manufacturer of military jets Dassault Aviation and an Italian defense company Leonardo. A heavy UAV is being developed for Spain, Germany, Italy and France. The first flight is scheduled for 2027.

Eurodrone has a length of 16 m and a wingspan of 26 m. The novelty will be larger than the Su-25 attack aircraft, which will make it vulnerable to air defense systems. The maximum takeoff weight of the unmanned aerial vehicle is 11,000 kg with a payload of 2,300 kg. The drone will be able to reach speeds of 500 km / h and climb to a height of 13.7 km, and the maximum battery life will be 40 hours.

Armament Eurodrone will include aerial bombs GBU-12 Paveway II  laser-guided and missiles AGM-114 Helffire with semi-active laser or active radar guidance. It is also possible the use of anti-ship missiles NSM produced by a Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense.

Who will get Eurodrone

According to preliminary data, the company Airbus has already signed the first contract for the production of 21 drones until 2028 in the amount of €7.1 billion. In the spring, it was reported that in total Germany would receive 21 UAVs, Italy - 15, and France and Spain - 12 each.

Source: Altair

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