Leonardo takes the Falco Explorer, a fully European reconnaissance drone, into the air for the first time

The Italian company Leonardo tested a MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) reconnaissance drone. This is the first drone in this category that uses exclusively European technology.

Here's What We Know

The drone is called Falco Explorer. Tests, in which the drone took to the air for the first time, took place on the island of Sicily. The UAV will have to undergo another series of tests, after which the company can move on to certification.

Leonardo needs to test whether the Falco Explorer can take off and land without an operator, test satellite communications beyond line of sight (BVLOS) and evaluate sensor functionality.

According to the manufacturer, the Falco Explorer can climb above 9,000 meters and stay in the air for 24 hours. The unmanned aircraft is 9 meters long and has a wingspan of 18.5 meters, and a takeoff weight of 1.3 tons including payload.

The Falco Explorer is a drone designed to provide strategic surveillance. It will target both the army and the civilian sector.

Source: Leonardo