Airbus tests VSR700 unmanned helicopter in full combat configuration
Airbus European Concert conducted a series of tests of the VSR700 unmanned aerial vehicle. The tests were supported by the French Directorate General for Armaments.
The tests of the unmanned helicopter took place on May 15. 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 vessel off the west coast of France.
Airbus spokesperson Nicolas Delmas said that the VSR700 flight test is an important step in verifying the characteristics and capabilities of the drone in the field. He added that the helicopter could withstand wind speeds of over 74 km/h. During the tests, the drone spent 8 hours in the sky.
France wants to get an unmanned aerial vehicle with vertical takeoff 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) program was launched for this purpose.
Airbus has developed the DeckFinder system for the drone. It provides autonomous launch and recovery of unmanned systems. According to the manufacturer, the accuracy is 10-20 cm in difficult environmental conditions.
The French Directorate General for Armaments has purchased two VSR700 demonstrators. The second drone is expected to be tested aboard the FREMM ship in the second half of 2023.
