Airbus Helicopters VSR700
The Airbus Helicopters VSR700 in an unmanned reconnaissance helicopter currently being developed by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) and Naval Group.
| VSR700 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| VSR700 at ILA Berlin Air Show 2018 | |
| Role | unmanned reconnaissance helicopter |
| National origin | France |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters |
| First flight | 8 November 2019 |
| Developed from | Guimbal Cabri G2 |
Design and development
Developed on request from the French Navy, it is based on the Cabri G2 light helicopter, developed and produced by Hélicoptères Guimbal. With a maximum take-off weight around 700 kg (1,500 lb), it is a larger aircraft than the Austrian Camcopter S-100 that the French Navy has trialed before.
The drone is designed to eventually deploy from Mistral-class amphibious assault ship, as well as from frigates.[1]
The prototype VSR700 performed its first flight at a drone test centre near Aix-en-Provence, France, on 8 November 2019.[2]
Specifications
Data from Airbus,[3]
General characteristics
- Capacity: 100 kg of mission payload
- Length: 6.2 m (20 ft 4 in)
- Width: 1.24 m (4 ft 1 in)
- Height: 2.28 m (7 ft 6 in)
- Max takeoff weight: 700 kg (1,543 lb)
- Fuel capacity: 185 litres
- Powerplant: 1 × Thielert Centurion 2.0 diesel engine , 116 kW (155 hp)
- Main rotor diameter: 7.2 m (23 ft 7 in)
Performance
- Cruise speed: 220 km/h (140 mph, 120 kn)
- Endurance: 10 hours or >8 hours 100nm (185 km, 115 miles) from the boat.
- Service ceiling: 6,000 m (20,000 ft)
Sensors
- Safran Euroflir 410 targeting ball
- Naval tactical radar
- AIS receiver
- "Deck Finder" landing system
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
- Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout
Related lists