Airbus Helicopters and NAVAL GROUP, in coordination with the DGA – Directorate General of Armaments and the French Navy, tested the SDAM (Marine Aerial Drone System) demonstrator on board the multi-mission frigate, Provence.
According to Airbus, these trials, conducted in the Mediterranean Sea from October 2 to 9, aimed to demonstrate the exceptional performance of the SDAM system from an operational warship, with particular emphasis on its capabilities for surveillance and surveillance missions. intelligence.
“We are proud to see the SDAM and VSR700 reaching maturity,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The system we are developing will operate effectively from a frigate and will be suitable for the naval missions for which it was designed. Through collaboration with NAVAL GROUP and other local partners, we are building a robust and sovereign solution. I look forward to further demonstrating the potential of our system and working with the French Navy to deliver a first operational capability by 2026.”
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The derisking study for the SDAM program was initiated by Airbus Helicopters and NAVAL GROUP under the direction of the DGA, with the aim of designing, producing and testing an unmanned rotary wing aerial system demonstrator for the French Navy.
The VSR700, a tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS) developed by Airbus, was designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern navies and armies in today’s contested and highly dynamic battlefields and seas.
The VSR700 stands out for its unmatched endurance, making it the best vertical takeoff/landing unmanned aerial vehicle (VUAV) in its class. This capability allows it to carry a full tactical load of high-capacity major sensors while offering various deployment options, such as being stationed on frigates and destroyers alongside naval helicopters.
Designed to seamlessly complement other shipboard naval assets, the VSR700 drone, currently in development, will provide commanders with an expanded and clearer tactical picture, enhanced search and rescue capabilities and the deployment of a highly autonomous in the event of increased threats. Its compact size and low-profile silhouette enhance its stealth capabilities, and its payload can accommodate a variety of long-range and high-performance sensors, providing modern navies with optimal capability enhancement.
