France completes Patroller tactical UAV tests
Safran's Patroller tactical UAV in flight (Photo: Safran)
The French DGA and Safran have finished Patroller UAV flight tests over Finland.
Safran has announced the company's Patroller tactical UAV completed a series of flight tests this summer under the French Defence Procurement Agency's (DGA) tactical drone system (SDT) programme.
The tests stand as a precursor to the 'industrial qualification' of the platform, according to Safran and validated performance of Patroller's two main payloads - the Euroflir 410 optronic, electro-optical pod and an unidentified surveillance radar.
All objectives including optronic and radar payload performance, simultaneous and real-time operation of the payloads, automatic takeoff and landing, mission management, low-noise operation, availability and ease of operation were met during tests which saw Patroller log 76 flight hours over 21 flights.
The French Army has procured Patroller to replace Safran's Sperwer UAS, which it retired in July 2020.
Safran is committed to delivering 14 UAVs and five ground control stations to the French Army, with first deliveries expected in 2022 at the earliest, according to Shephard's Defence Insight.
Safran also holds a separate risk reduction contract to qualify the Patroller for weapons integration, which could eventually see it armed with Thales 68mm Acüleüs LG (Laser Guided) rockets.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Final delivery of Danish autonomous MCM system imminent]()
Final delivery of Danish autonomous MCM system imminent
The Royal Danish Navy is boosting its autonomous mine countermeasures capabilities by procuring new uncrewed underwater systems.
-
![Iranian UAV transfers expose depletion of Russian arms]()
Iranian UAV transfers expose depletion of Russian arms
A defence analyst claims that Russia's move to acquire and deploy Iranian UAV's in Ukraine tells of wider weapons supply issues and a depletion of stocks.
-
![Researchers examine new USV design methods]()
Researchers examine new USV design methods
A team at the University of Maine will define a path forward to support advanced manufacturing of USVs, under a contract from the US Office of Naval Research.
-
![Insitu to provide more Blackjacks and ScanEagles to US and allies]()
Insitu to provide more Blackjacks and ScanEagles to US and allies
Insitu receives order for 13 Blackjack and 25 ScanEagle UAVs.
-
![MSPO 2022: First batch of crowdfunded Warmate loitering munitions arrives in Ukraine]()
MSPO 2022: First batch of crowdfunded Warmate loitering munitions arrives in Ukraine
Ukraine ordered 40 Warmates, half of which have already reached frontline units with the remainder to arrive by the end of September.
-
Expert claims ‘decentralised’ approach holds back USAF next-generation UAV ambitions
Despite a number of Skyborg test successes, a defence expert has questioned how the development of next generation drones will advance without activities being concentrated and clear requirements set out.
