DGA missile test unit puts surveillance on a tether
Orion 2 tethered UAV. (Photo: Elistair)
The Orion 2 tethered UAV will be used to enhance observation and security at two French missile test sites.
Tethered UAV specialist Elistair has obtained a framework contract from the French defence procurement agency DGA to reinforce surveillance and observation at two of its missile and rocket ranges.
Elistair will provide its Orion 2 tethered UAV for installation at DGA Missile Test Unit sites (DGA EM and DGA EV).
Orion 2 will be used to ‘secure the impact zone and collect images needed for analysing land, air and coastal operations’, Elistair noted in a 17 May announcement.
It added that its tethered drones will ‘significantly extend’ the scope of surveillance for the DGA, as Orion 2 offers detection capacities over a 10km radius ‘even in poor weather conditions’.
Data from Shephard Defence Insight shows that Orion 2 can operate at 328ft altitude for 24h, with data transfer and anti-jamming protection via the tether.
Elistair CEO Guilhem de Marliave noted that Orion 2 has undergone ‘extensive work’ to comply with DGA information security requirements. He added that Orion 2 could be ‘a reference for tactical UAVs used for perimeter protection’.
The DGA Missile Test Unit conducts tests on weapon systems, strategic and tactical missiles, torpedoes and munitions for air, land, sea and submarine operations.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Royal Navy selects Animal Dynamics parafoil UAV for second phase of Heavy Lift challenge]()
Royal Navy selects Animal Dynamics parafoil UAV for second phase of Heavy Lift challenge
With a payload capacity of 135kg, the Stork STM can fly up to 400km using a parafoil wing to generate lift.
-
![IDEX 2023: Autel Robotics showcases DJI challenger drone]()
IDEX 2023: Autel Robotics showcases DJI challenger drone
Autel Robotics presented its Dragonfish series and EVO Max 4T at IDEX 2023, hoping to challenge DJI's market dominance with the latter.
-
![BAE and Innovaero debut Strix, Australia’s first domestic armed VTOL UAS]()
BAE and Innovaero debut Strix, Australia’s first domestic armed VTOL UAS
At the Avalon Airshow, BAE Systems Australia debuted Australia’s first domestically designed, built and armed VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) uncrewed air system (UAS), the Strix.
-
![Enhanced autopilots pave way to autonomy for US multi-engine jets]()
Enhanced autopilots pave way to autonomy for US multi-engine jets
The USAF has commissioned a year-long autonomy study by Reliable Robotics for large jet aircraft.
-
![IDEX 2023: Black Eagle UAV gets miniature airborne radar]()
IDEX 2023: Black Eagle UAV gets miniature airborne radar
Integrating the radar into the Steadicopter UAS allows the rotorcraft to spot potential maritime threats.
