Open menu Search

France progresses naval drone efforts with latest VSR700 testing

31st January 2023 - 17:30 GMT | by Harry Lye in London

RSS

The SDAM demonstrator aircraft in flight. (Photo: DGA)

The programme’s next phase will see the Airbus VTOL drone operating from a French Navy frigate.

France has demonstrated the technical capabilities of the Airbus VSR700 rotary-wing UAS as part of risk-reduction work on its SDAM programme.

Last December, a test flight campaign was conducted from the French DGA’ procurement agency’s missile testing site on the Ile du Levant.

Risk reduction work worth €100 million ($108 million) aims to clear the way to produce a maritime UAS that will operate from French Navy ships.

From 7 to 15 December, the SDAM demonstrator, based on the VSR-700 drone derived from the Cabri G2 light helicopter, undertook five flights totalling nine hours of operations.

The test series brings

Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®

A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.

LEARN MORE
Harry Lye

Author

Harry Lye


Harry Lye was Senior Naval Reporter at Shephard Media.

Harry joined the company in 2021, …

Read full bio

Share to

Linkedin