Airbus tests VSR700 unmanned helicopter in full combat configuration

Airbus has conducted a series of tests on the VSR700 unmanned aerial vehicle. The tests were supported by the French armament directorate general.

Here's What We Know

Tests of the unmanned helicopter took place on 15 May. According to the manufacturer, the VSR700 made 80 successful takeoffs and landings during the tests. The drone took off and landed on the helicopter deck of a civilian ship off the west coast of France.

Airbus spokesman Nicolas Delmas said the VSR700 flight test was an important step in testing the drone's performance and capabilities in the operational environment. He added that the helicopter withstood wind speeds in excess of 74km/h. The drone spent eight hours in the sky during the test.

France wants an unmanned aerial vehicle with vertical take-off and landing that can fly for 8 hours, carry several payloads and reach speeds of up to 185 km/h. The Système de Drone Aérien pour la Marine (SDAM) programme was launched for this purpose.

Airbus has developed the DeckFinder system for the drone. It enables autonomous launch and recovery of unmanned systems. Accuracy, according to the manufacturer, is 10-20 cm in difficult environmental conditions.

France's directorate-general for armaments has purchased two VSR700 demonstrators. A second drone is expected to be tested aboard the FREMM ship in the second half of 2023.

Source: Airbus