Thales Fulmar X for Spain ISR
Thales has received two contracts from the Spanish Directorate-General for Armament and Material (DGAM) to provide ISR capabilities to the Spanish Navy and Army.
Thales’ Fulmar X UAS has been selected by the Spanish Navy for the test and evaluation of UAS in experimental maritime environments. Fulmar X’s maritime version is highly versatile, allowing the aircraft to take off and land while the ship is moving. It can be used for a wide range of operational missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, anti-piracy and security tasks.
DGAM has also acquired the class I UAS to be deployed by the Spanish Army in operational zones. Using its new dual electro-optical/infrared payload, the system will detect targets, identify threats and provide the necessary information to ensure security. The digital system will be deployed during 2018.
José Sarnito, chief operating officer, Thales Programas, said: ‘This contract is a step towards making a unique European solution available in its range. The DGAM’s support has proven to be crucial for the design of Spanish solutions and technology in the market of remotely piloted vehicles.’
The Fulmar X weighs 20kg, with a wingspan of just over three metres. It is capable of flying at a height of 3,000 metres, with a range of more than eight hours and covering distances of as much as 80km.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
![DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract]()
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
![Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems]()
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
