Electro-optic payload selected for Eurodrone UAS programme
A total of 20 systems of three Eurodrone aircraft have been ordered by four European countries. (Image: Leonardo)
A Safran electro-optical payload has been selected for the multinational Eurodrone MALE (medium-altitude long-endurance) UAV programme.
Safran Electronics & Defense has contracted with Leonardo to develop and supply its Euroflir 610 airborne EO system for the Eurodrone effort.
Derived from the earlier Euroflir 410's architecture, Euroflir 610 is a 25in optronic system that can carry out observation and target designation by day or night and in degraded weather conditions. It features a multispectral telescope, line-of-sight stabilisation and target geolocation.
The Eurodrone programme is led by the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and will provide 20 systems representing over 60 MALE aircraft.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, France will take 12 aircraft, Germany 21, Italy 15 and Spain 12. Germany is the lead nation on the programme with Airbus as prime contractor. Leonardo's role covers wing design and production, electrical and environmental control, and mission and armament systems.
Selection of the Euroflir 610 strengthens European technological sovereignty in the ITAR-free programme, says Safran. (Photo: Safran)
The ITAR-free programme was launched in September 2016, and a contract was signed in February this year between Airbus and OCCAR for the 60 aircraft above.
Total funding is a reported €7.1 billion ($8.56 billion). Shephard Defence Insight calculates that one unit will cost an estimated $143 million. With 20% of this taken up by supporting costs, it can be estimated that Eurodrome's flyaway unit cost is $114.4 million.
Adoption of Euroflir 610 as a payload strengthens European sovereignty in this technological segment, according to Safran. The start of Eurodrone prototype manufacturing with the payload is planned for 2024.
Euroflir family payloads have already been selected for the Airbus H160M/HIL and Tiger Mk 3 helicopters.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Textron firms up potential bid for US Navy Undergraduate trainer contract]()
Textron firms up potential bid for US Navy Undergraduate trainer contract
The company has said it would assemble its Beechcraft M-346N aircraft at its east Wichita campus with significant investment placed to modernise the hub if it wins the contract.
-
![Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement]()
Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement
The MoU with AED Cluster Portugal will see the two organisations work together on studies to create a pitch to replace the country’s current F-16 fleet.
-
![PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile]()
PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile
The memorandum of understanding signed also included a wider strategic plan to co-develop autonomous air systems for the Polish Armed Forces.
-
![Turkey finalises $7.2 billion deal with UK for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets]()
Turkey finalises $7.2 billion deal with UK for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets
The deal will include a weapons package alongside the aircraft, with deliveries expected from 2030.
-
![NATO needs to plug its drone gap to meet modern warfare requirements]()
NATO needs to plug its drone gap to meet modern warfare requirements
Despite shared goals, NATO’s counter-uncrewed aerial system efforts remain fragmented, with parallel initiatives lacking a unified doctrine or integrated deployment strategy.
-
![“Strong year” ahead as Saab sees uptick in order potential for GlobalEye and Gripen aircraft]()
“Strong year” ahead as Saab sees uptick in order potential for GlobalEye and Gripen aircraft
The aeronautics business saw a 34% boost in growth year on year, driven largely by its success with its Gripen aircraft.
