Airbus will present its new uncrewed air defense system, LOAD (Low-cost Air Defence), at the "Unbemannte Systeme X" trade show in Bonn, Germany. The system is designed to effectively combat enemy kamikaze drone swarms.The LOAD system is based on modified Airbus Do-DT25 drones, each capable of carrying up to three guided missiles (or more, depending on the type of armament). These drones are launched by catapult and have a range of 100 kilometers, with supervision from a ground control station. Using radar data or aerial situation imagery, they can autonomously search for, detect, and neutralize threats after receiving authorization. Once their mission is complete, they return to base and land via parachute, ready to be reused in future operations.<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">A cost-effective reinforcement for air defense</h3>The ability of each LOAD drone to take out up to three targets makes it an effective and low-cost solution against large swarms of enemy drones — a challenge even for advanced air defense systems such as IRIS-T, Patriot, or Germany’s NNbS (Nah- und Nächstbereichsschutz; close and medium-range protection).<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37000" data-title="You may be interested in"></section>Additionally, when combined with reconnaissance platforms like the Eurodrone, LOAD can operate in areas where ground-based radars lack full coverage, allowing armed forces greater flexibility in responding to emerging threats.<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Next steps and entry into service</h3>Airbus plans to conduct the first flight of a prototype before the end of the year. This initial model will feature two guided missiles and will be based on the proven Do-DT25 platform. Operational entry into service for the LOAD system is scheduled for 2027.A key feature of LOAD is that it does not rely on U.S. technology and is ITAR-free, facilitating its export to various markets without U.S. regulatory restrictions.With this development, Airbus reinforces its commitment to innovative and highly scalable solutions in the field of air defense, addressing the growing threat of drones in modern conflicts.<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">From Remote Carriers to LOAD</h3>The development of LOAD does not start from scratch but appears to leverage the experience gained by Airbus under the <a href="https://www.aviacionline.com/remote-carriers-the-unmanned-companions-of-europes-sixth-generation-fighters">Remote Carrier</a> program. During tests conducted with the Do-DT25 drones, Airbus validated their ability to operate unmanned aircraft within combat networks, launch them from aerial platforms such as the A400M, and coordinate their missions with manned aircraft through advanced data links. LOAD would capitalize on these advancements, applying concepts such as Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) and networked mission management, but with a focus oriented toward air defense.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2022/12/a400m-drone-2_0-1.jpg" alt="airbus remote carrier"><figcaption>Do-DT25 drones are also key players in the development of the Remote Carrier unmanned systems that will accompany Europe's sixth-generation FCAS fighter. Photo: Airbus</figcaption></figure>While the Remote Carriers were designed to act as force multipliers in offensive missions within the FCAS, LOAD transfers that knowledge to the field of defense against kamikaze drone swarms, optimizing its operational autonomy, reusability, and effectiveness in environments where traditional systems may become overwhelmed.

Airbus unveils LOAD, an unmanned system against kamikaze drones

Airbus introduces LOAD: an unmanned air defense system against swarms of kamikaze drones

Leonardo, the British Royal Navy, and the Future Capability Innovation (FCI) team of the UK Ministry of Defence have unveiled the design of the Proteus technological demonstrator aircraft.This unmanned helicopter, weighing approximately three tons, will be used to demonstrate advancements in autonomy, modularity, and payload interchangeability while developing cutting-edge technologies for helicopters, including design and manufacturing techniques. The project is part of the Royal Navy's Maritime Aviation Transformation (MATx) strategy, which encompasses the evolution of maritime aviation through 2040.<h2>A Highly Modular Maritime UAS</h2>The design of the Proteus technological demonstrator, whose images were released today, reveals that components from Leonardo's entire helicopter portfolio were used to reduce costs and accelerate the aircraft's development. Leonardo has also leveraged the knowledge and experience from its current unmanned aerial systems (UAS) programs.This design aims to demonstrate the feasibility of large UAS in the maritime environment, serving as a testbed for the development and demonstration of autonomous capability. This includes flight control laws and algorithms for large vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) autonomous aircraft.Proteus's design is characterized by its modular payload bay. It is designed to enable mission flexibility, including the ability to swap fuel for payload. The ability to connect specific payloads for different missions aims to provide commanders on the ground with a wide range of options from a single type of aircraft. This is operationally useful and offers good value by avoiding the need to purchase and maintain multiple aircraft fleets.<h2>Innovation in Development and Manufacturing</h2>This development is being carried out at Leonardo's Yeovil site, the home of British Helicopters, which maintains an aggressive autonomy development roadmap covering the capabilities needed for autonomous flights and mission capability.Leonardo has created a "digital twin" of the Proteus technological demonstrator to facilitate development. Using a digital twin, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, and machine learning (ML) in a synthetic environment allows Leonardo to test, modify, and demonstrate capability without needing real aircraft testing, thus reducing costs and significantly accelerating development compared to traditional helicopter programs.Leonardo is also experimenting with applying new digital manufacturing technologies in helicopter production, including additive layer manufacturing (3D printing) and the use of cost-effective low-temperature-cured composites, which require fewer manufacturing stages in the production of parts.Once tested, these technologies will be more widely employed to offer agility through spiral development techniques, reduce lifecycle costs compared to conventional manned aircraft, and improve resilience and sustainability in Leonardo's supply chain.In addition to innovating in technologies, Leonardo is also using the Proteus program to transform its approach to collaboration with customers and end users. The company employs an "agile" methodology that breaks the project into phases and emphasizes continuous collaboration and improvement. This closer collaboration between Leonardo, DE&amp;S, and the Royal Navy has allowed the €71 million (£60 million) project, initially contracted in 2022, to progress rapidly, with the demonstrator expected to fly for the first time in mid-2025.

Proteus: Leonardo's innovative modular UAS demonstrator for the Royal Navy

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced Dec. 16 the sale of three MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems to the Polish Ministry of Defense.
The MQ-9B is the newest model of RPA produced by GA-ASI, and will serve as a critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform for Poland. The sale to Poland also includes two certifiable ground control stations (CGCS) and three years of global logistics support.
<figure id="attachment_49866" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-49866" style="width: 1280px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-49866" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/MQ-9-Sea-Guardian.jpg" alt="" width="1290" height="860" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/MQ-9-Sea-Guardian.jpg 1290w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/MQ-9-Sea-Guardian-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/MQ-9-Sea-Guardian-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/MQ-9-Sea-Guardian-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/MQ-9-Sea-Guardian-696x464.jpg 696w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/MQ-9-Sea-Guardian-1068x712.jpg 1068w" sizes="(max-width: 1290px) 100vw, 1290px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-49866" class="wp-caption-text">MQ-9B Sea Guardian variant for maritime patrol missions.</figcaption></figure>
The MQ-9B offers exceptionally long range and autonomy, with automatic takeoff and landing under exclusive SATCOM control, and will be able to operate in non-segregated airspace using the Detect and Avoid system developed by GA-AS, which allows evasive maneuvers to prevent identified collision threats.
<blockquote>“The purchase of MQ-9B SkyGuardian will deliver persistent multi-domain situational awareness, which is vital to Poland,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “SkyGuardian is a critical security tool and GA-ASI is proud to continue to build on its strong partnership with Poland.”</blockquote>
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Polish Minister of Defense, commented on his social networks that:
<blockquote>“The MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones are another important step in the modernization of the Polish Army. These advanced systems will increase, among others: our reconnaissance and strike capabilities. SkyGuardian is another element of deterrence and defense, as well as building a modern army, ready to meet the challenges of the modern battlefield.”</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Drony MQ-9B SkyGuardian to kolejny istotny krok w modernizacji Wojska Polskiego. Te zaawansowane systemy zwiększą m. in. nasze zdolności rozpoznawczo &#8211; uderzeniowe. SkyGuardian to kolejny element odstraszania i obrony oraz budowy nowoczesnej armii, gotowej sprostać wyzwaniom… <a href="https://t.co/doDoovrSmt">pic.twitter.com/doDoovrSmt</a>
— Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) <a href="https://twitter.com/KosiniakKamysz/status/1867146790346121532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Poland already has experience in operating GA-ASI products, as since 2022, it began operating the MQ-9A Reaper system as part of a lease agreement with the U.S. company. The success of those missions opened the door to the purchase of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian.
See also: <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/10/india-and-u-s-seal-deal-for-purchase-of-31-mq-9b-sky-sea-guardian-drones/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India and U.S. seal deal for purchase of 31 MQ-9B Sky/Sea Guardian drones</a>
The first customer deliveries of the MQ-9B began in 2022 with the UK Royal Air Force, marking the beginning of a successful commercial expansion that has positioned this aircraft as a leader in its market segment. Since then, contracts have been secured with Belgium, Canada, the Japan Coast Guard, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Taiwan, India and the U.S. Air Force in support of Special Operations Command. In addition, the MQ-9B has demonstrated its operational versatility by participating in prominent U.S. Navy exercises this year, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem and Group Sail.

Poland joins General Atomics’ list of MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone operators

The renowned Turkish defense company, Baykar, achieved a historic milestone with its Bayraktar TB3 drone , which successfully performed the first autonomous take-off and landing from the TCG Anadolu, a “short runway” amphibious assault and carrier ship, and flagship of the Turkish Navy.
The Bayraktar TB3 PT1 and PT2 prototypes, after having successfully completed the Ski-jump type inclined ramp take-off tests, were transferred to start the next phase of tests, which included day and night flights around the TCG Anatolia, as well as approach tests.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BayraktarTB3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BayraktarTB3</a> PT-2 ? TCG Anadolu ✈️?⚓️?
Dünya Havacılık Tarihinde Bir İlk!
✅ Kısa Pistli Gemiden Kalkış-İniş Testi 
☁️ Toplam Uçuş Saati: 823 Saat
A groundbreaking moment in aviation history!
✅ Short-Runway Carrier Take-Off &amp; Landing Test 
☁️ Total Flight Hours: 823… <a href="https://t.co/STnmuewlTK">pic.twitter.com/STnmuewlTK</a>
— BAYKAR (@BaykarTech) <a href="https://twitter.com/BaykarTech/status/1858972437276496162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
After successfully passing the previous stages of the test program, the piloting phase on the deck of a moving ship began. On November 19, the second prototype of the Bayraktar TB3 made history by performing a fully autonomous landing and takeoff on the runway of the TCG Anadolu. The drone managed to stop on the deck without resorting to external braking systems such as cables or nets, and then returned to the air by taking advantage of the 12-degree inclined ramp located at the bow of the ship.
<h3>Bayraktar TB3, the next generation</h3>
An evolution of the successful Bayraktar TB2, the Bayraktar TB3 is an armed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system capable of taking off and landing on short runways. It has the capability to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence operations, in addition to carrying out strike missions with the Turkish-made smart munitions it carries under its wings. Designed for use on amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers, thanks to its folding wing structure, this UAV offers the user the ability to conduct armed UAV operations on missions beyond the horizon, both over the sea and over land.
The Bayraktar TB3 and the unmanned combat aircraft <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://aviacionline.com/2022/12/kizilelma-turkeys-unmanned-combat-aircraft-briefly-leaves-the-ground/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KIZILELMA</a>, being designed to operate from ski-jump ramps, will be the core of the TCG Anadolu light aircraft carrier&#8217;s embarked combat wing, especially since Turkey does not have access to the Lockheed Martin F-35B. This breakthrough will mark a milestone in the evolution of naval air warfare because, although there are other <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://aviacionline.com/2023/11/ga-asi-demonstrates-takeoff-landing-stol-capability-of-its-mojave-uas-from-british-aircraft-carrier/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">similar projects</a> to operate unmanned aircraft from runway ships, Turkey is at the forefront of these developments and will likely be the first nation to implement fully unmanned fixed-wing naval aviation.
<figure id="attachment_245950" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-245950" style="width: 1312px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Bayraktar-TB3-ski-jump.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-245950 size-full" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Bayraktar-TB3-ski-jump.jpg" alt="Bayraktar TB3 ski-jump" width="1322" height="620" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/Bayraktar-TB3-ski-jump.jpg 1322w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/Bayraktar-TB3-ski-jump-300x141.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/Bayraktar-TB3-ski-jump-1024x480.jpg 1024w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/Bayraktar-TB3-ski-jump-768x360.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1322px) 100vw, 1322px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-245950" class="wp-caption-text">TB3 prototype during ski-jump take-off tests</figcaption></figure>
With an estimated range of 1,000 nautical miles and an endurance of 24 hours, a higher flight ceiling and an improved payload capacity to carry more weaponry, the Bayraktar TB3 will enhance the Turkish Navy&#8217;s capabilities by enabling the execution of multiple beyond-the-horizon missions. These include surveillance and reconnaissance, communications relay, (limited) early warning, and attacks on naval and land targets from safe distances. These capabilities will be enhanced by a <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/06/kemankes-2-baykar-develops-new-mini-cruise-missile-with-200-km-range-and-ai-accuracy-for-its-drones/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">new generation of munitions</a> developed in Turkey specifically for drones.

Turkey’s Bayraktar TB3 drone makes history by taking off and landing autonomously at TCG Anadolu

Airbus successfully presented the feasibility of the UH-72B Lakota helicopter for adaptation as a vertical-lift drone in a demonstration to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). This first demo of the program, conducted at Marine Corps Air Station New River and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, supports the USMC&#8217;s Aerial Logistics Connector contract.
The demonstration evaluated the UH-72B Lakota&#8217;s performance characteristics and validated its ability to carry specialized cargo. It also highlighted Airbus&#8217; approaches to meeting Marine Corps requirements for an Aerial Logistics Connector system designed to support forward operations at expeditionary bases.
“Integrating warfighter inputs early on in this phase of the contract helps ensure we’re hitting all the marks and gives us invaluable insights so we deliver the right capabilities to the U.S. Marine Corps,” said Rob Geckle, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Airbus U.S. Space and Defense..
<figure id="attachment_341597" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-341597" style="width: 990px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Airbus-USMC-UH-72B-Lakota-cargo-dron.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-341597 size-full" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Airbus-USMC-UH-72B-Lakota-cargo-dron.jpg" alt="Airbus USMC UH-72B Lakota cargo dron" width="1000" height="562" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/10/Airbus-USMC-UH-72B-Lakota-cargo-dron.jpg 1000w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/10/Airbus-USMC-UH-72B-Lakota-cargo-dron-300x169.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/10/Airbus-USMC-UH-72B-Lakota-cargo-dron-768x432.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/10/Airbus-USMC-UH-72B-Lakota-cargo-dron-150x84.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-341597" class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Airbus</figcaption></figure>
This event is part of Aerial Logistics Connector&#8217;s Mid-Tier Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Prototyping Program, which aims to provide the service with prototype aircraft to demonstrate their capabilities through a series of operational demonstrations and experiments. Future demonstrations will provide more information on the aircraft&#8217;s capabilities and will focus on the modifications necessary for the aircraft to meet Marine Corps requirements to operate autonomously and carry specialized cargo. These demonstrations will continue through the remainder of 2024 and 2025 and will inform future acquisition decisions for the opportunity to build prototype aircraft.
In May 2024, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) awarded Airbus U.S. Space &amp; Defense a Phase I Transactional Authority Agreement, through the Naval Air Systems Consortium, based on its unmanned UH-72 Aerial Logistics Connector concept , a variant of the proven UH-72 Lakota platform.
The Aerial Logistics Connector program is one of several efforts across the U.S. Department of Defense to provide logistics support in distributed environments during conflicts with technologically peer or near-peer adversaries.
Airbus touts the conversion of the UH-72 platform as an affordable, low-risk solution for combat logistics in the expeditionary environment.
<figure id="attachment_341599" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-341599" style="width: 1586px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Lakota-drone.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-341599 size-full" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Lakota-drone.jpg" alt="" width="1596" height="876" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/10/Lakota-drone.jpg 1596w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/10/Lakota-drone-300x165.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/10/Lakota-drone-768x422.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/10/Lakota-drone-1536x843.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/10/Lakota-drone-150x82.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1596px) 100vw, 1596px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-341599" class="wp-caption-text">Modifications to the UH-72B Lakota for the Aerial Logistics Connector program will optimize its transport capacity, providing ample internal volume and facilitating loading and unloading operations. Image: Airbus.</figcaption></figure>
For the USMC demonstration, Airbus presented a Lakota mockup modified to operate as an unmanned cargo aircraft. By eliminating the crew stations, interior space was maximized, allowing cargo to be carried along the entire length of the fuselage. Its innovative design, which includes rear clamshell doors, side doors and the ability to open the forward fuselage, would make this aircraft a highly versatile platform for transporting bulky cargo, including standard containers. The open cockpit significantly facilitates loading and unloading operations.

Airbus demonstrates UH-72B Lakota’s adaptability as a vertical-lift drone for the USMC

The Indian Ministry of Defense today signed the contract with the U.S. Government for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B Sky/Sea Guardian drones. Another contract was also signed with General Atomics Global India Pvt. Ltd. for performance-based logistics of MQ-9Bs through depot-level maintenance, repair and overhaul in India.
The Foreign Military Sale (FMS) deal had been <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/02/us-approved-purchase-of-31-mq-9b-sky-guardian-unmanned-aircraft-from-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved by Washington</a> in February, and provides for the sale of the following major items:
<ul>
<li>31 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAS) MQ-9B Sky/Sea Guardian;</li>
<li>161 integrated global positioning and inertial navigation (EGI) systems;</li>
<li>35 L3 Rio Grande communications intelligence sensor suites;</li>
<li>170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles;</li>
<li>16 M36E9 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); 16 M36E9 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM);</li>
<li>310 GBU-39B/B Laser Guided Small Diameter Bomb (LSDB) bombs;</li>
<li>8 GBU-39B/B LSDB Guided Test Vehicles (GTVs) with active fuzes.</li>
</ul>
Also included are ground control stations; TPE-331-10-GD engines; test stations, communications systems, electronic reconnaissance, training, logistics support, spare parts, laser designation systems, as well as many other related advanced equipment, for an estimated cost of $3.99 billion.
<figure id="attachment_49864" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-49864" style="width: 1280px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-49864" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/SeaGuardian-anti-submarino.jpg" alt="" width="1290" height="863" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/SeaGuardian-anti-submarino.jpg 1290w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/SeaGuardian-anti-submarino-300x201.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/SeaGuardian-anti-submarino-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/SeaGuardian-anti-submarino-768x514.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/SeaGuardian-anti-submarino-696x466.jpg 696w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/SeaGuardian-anti-submarino-1068x714.jpg 1068w" sizes="(max-width: 1290px) 100vw, 1290px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-49864" class="wp-caption-text">The SeaGuardian also has the capability to dispense sonobuoys to assist in anti-submarine warfare (ASW).</figcaption></figure>
As part of the agreement, the MQ-9Bs would be assembled in India. India will also see the establishment of a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for General Atomics-manufactured drones in the country.
The 31 MQ-9B RPAS come in two variants: SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian, and were acquired by the Indian Ministry of Defense for its three main branches. The Indian Navy will receive 15 units of the SeaGuardian version, while the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army (IA) will each receive eight SkyGuardians.

India and U.S. seal deal for purchase of 31 MQ-9B Sky/Sea Guardian drones

French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced the launch of the first orders to develop the new Rafale F5 standard during his visit to Saint-Dizier Air Base on October 8th.
The Rafale F5 standard will be capable of carrying and launching the future ASN4G nuclear missile, which is expected to enter service in the next decade. Led by the Directorate General of Armament (DGA), the Rafale program is based on continuous development, allowing aircraft to adapt to evolving needs through successive standards. Expected within the next decade, the Rafale F5 aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the French Air Force for both nuclear deterrence and conventional missions, in response to rapidly evolving threats.
<figure id="attachment_145705" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-145705" style="width: 1910px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Rafale-ASMPA.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-145705 size-full" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Rafale-ASMPA.jpg" alt="Rafale nuclear" width="1920" height="1281" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2022/07/Rafale-ASMPA.jpg 1920w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2022/07/Rafale-ASMPA-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2022/07/Rafale-ASMPA-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2022/07/Rafale-ASMPA-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2022/07/Rafale-ASMPA-1536x1025.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-145705" class="wp-caption-text">The future ASN4G hypersonic missiles will replace the current supersonic ASMPA/ASMPA-R as an essential airborne component of the French nuclear deterrence strategy.</figcaption></figure>
The F5 standard represents a significant evolution of the Rafale, building upon the connectivity and data processing capabilities of the F4 standard. With a new radar, electronic warfare system, enhanced optronic sensors, and the integration of the ASN4G missile, the F5 offers a substantial enhancement to the fighter&#8217;s capabilities. Additionally, the incorporation of saturation weapons and compatibility with stealth drones positions the F5 as a cutting-edge combat platform.
<h3>Stealth combat drone to complement the Rafale F5</h3>
In order to augment the capabilities of the Rafale F5, a stealth combat drone is being developed under the leadership of Dassault Aviation, Thales, and Safran. Leveraging stealth technology, this new system will be equipped to undertake high-risk missions such as penetrating hostile air defenses, engaging in aerial combat, and conducting strikes against ground targets in extremely challenging environments. Furthermore, it is intended to serve as the foundation for defeating modern medium and long-range air defense systems, as the French government has opted <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2023/11/the-future-rafale-f5-will-not-have-a-sead-dead-version-but-will-compensate-with-neuron-drones/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not to develop a SEAD/DEAD variant of the Rafale</a>.
<figure id="attachment_224085" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-224085" style="width: 1590px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Rafale-nEUROn.webp"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-224085 size-full" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Rafale-nEUROn.webp" alt="Rafale F5 nEUROn SEAD/DEAD" width="1600" height="1066" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/11/Rafale-nEUROn.webp 1600w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/11/Rafale-nEUROn-300x200.webp 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/11/Rafale-nEUROn-1024x682.webp 1024w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/11/Rafale-nEUROn-768x512.webp 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/11/Rafale-nEUROn-1536x1023.webp 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-224085" class="wp-caption-text">Rafale fighter and nEUROn unmanned stealth technology demonstrator. Photo: Dassault Aviation.</figcaption></figure>
Leveraging the experience of the nEUROn demonstrator, the new drone will offer a high degree of stealth, advanced sensors and a wide range of weaponry. Thanks to its in-flight refueling capability and robust connectivity, this equipment will be able to operate in a coordinated and prolonged manner, ensuring air superiority in any scenario.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced mission computers, and fiber-optic cabling into the Rafale F5 will enable unprecedented collaboration with the stealth combat drone. This synergy will improve decision-making, enabling faster and more efficient operations, and lay the groundwork for the development of the future Future Combat Air System (FCAS). To facilitate the operational exploitation of this pairing, the new drone will share logistical elements with the future F5, suggesting the use of common hardware and software components with the Rafale.

France makes the leap to the Rafale F5, featuring Artificial Intelligence and a new «Loyal Wingman» stealth drone

Located in Moguer (Huelva-Andalusia), the new Unmanned Aerial Systems Test Center (CEUS) is a project of the Spanish Ministry of Defense, developed by the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) and the Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI).
The ceremony was attended by the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sanchez, as well as the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles; the Secretary General for Innovation, Teresa Riesgo; and the President of the Junta de Andalucía, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla.
The President of the Government highlighted the State&#8217;s commitment to investing in science and technological innovation as a decisive factor in strengthening the Spanish economy:
<blockquote>«This strategic country bet is paying off, as evidenced by leading national and international economic organizations; the OECD certifies that Spain has become the main engine of economic growth and job creation in Europe.»</blockquote>
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Pedro Sánchez inaugura las instalaciones del Centro de Ensayos de Sistemas Aéreos no Tripulados" width="1200" height="900" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hY7CFgXgiCc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
The President of the Government described the CEUS facilities as “the best example of what it means to invest in science and innovation”. Sánchez stressed the government&#8217;s intention to reindustrialize Spain, based on two principles: promoting knowledge and innovation as drivers of employment, and strengthening territorial cohesion to ensure equal opportunities in all regions. In this context, the President highlighted “the driving power of the Ministry of Defense for territorial cohesion and the progress of all”.
<h3>CEUS</h3>
The CEUS project represents an investment of 28 million euros. It has a unique infrastructure and a privileged location, which allows it to maintain an operability of more than 330 days a year. It has a testing capacity for UAS/RPA systems of all categories and sizes. It has a runway of 2,000 meters long and 45 meters wide, with a north-south orientation, as well as a taxiway of 270m long and 38m wide, with a west-east orientation.
The center is configured to send and receive data in real time to other important Spanish aerospace research facilities, allowing the operation of unmanned systems from remote locations.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-339542" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/CEUS-Moguer-Huelva-Andalucia.jpg" alt="CEUS Moguer Huelva Andalucía" width="1123" height="794" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/10/CEUS-Moguer-Huelva-Andalucia.jpg 1123w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/10/CEUS-Moguer-Huelva-Andalucia-300x212.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/10/CEUS-Moguer-Huelva-Andalucia-768x543.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/10/CEUS-Moguer-Huelva-Andalucia-150x106.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1123px) 100vw, 1123px" />
It also has a test area over the sea of 150&#215;77 kms with no altitude limit. The available airspace includes several protected flight zones, which can be activated by NOTAM (Notice To Airmen). The facilities allow testing of unmanned aircraft up to 25,000 kg maximum take-off weight. It can also operate manned aircraft, such as INTA&#8217;s C295 research/air laboratory.
CEUS stands out for being a unique research center in Europe, designed and built exclusively for testing medium and large remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPA).

Spain inaugurated CEUS, a unique research center in Europe to boost the drone industry

During the military parade held in Tehran on September 21, 2024, in commemoration of the anniversary of the Iran-Iraq war, the Shahed-136B, an evolution of the well-known kamikaze drone Shahed-136, produced under license in Russia under the name Geran-2, and <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://aviacionline.com/2022/09/russia-unleashes-its-iranian-drones-against-ukrainian-positions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">used daily against Ukrainian targets</a>, was presented to the public for the first time.
Iran presented this new kamikaze drone as part of its military modernization program, in a context marked by growing instability in the region.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-338669 aligncenter" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Shahed-136B.jpg" alt="Iran new kamikaze drone Shahed-136B" width="800" height="533" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/Shahed-136B.jpg 800w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/Shahed-136B-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/Shahed-136B-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/09/Shahed-136B-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />
According to Iranian media, the Shahed-136B represents a significant leap in terms of range and lethality. It has an operational range of between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometers (depending on the source), a more powerful warhead, a reduced radar signature, and an aerodynamic design that departs from the previous model&#8217;s delta wing configuration.
&nbsp;
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Баражуючий іранський боєприпас «Shahed 136»" width="1200" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZugQ8k3HeYQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Unlike the Shahed-136, which is launched from a vehicle using a tilting ramp system and a booster rocket, the Shahed-136B&#8217;s larger size suggests that its launch system might be more static and less expedient. The Shahed-136, thanks to its compact design, can be transported in large quantities and rapidly deployed from moving vehicles. However, the larger Shahed-136B may require larger or more complex launch platforms.
The presentation of the Shahed-136B, coupled with the introduction of the Shahed-238 (a high-speed, turbojet-powered variant of the Shahed-136) and the «Yihad» ballistic missile, capable of striking targets up to 1,000 kilometers away, highlights Iran&#8217;s commitment to bolstering its regional influence. Through these enhanced military capabilities, Tehran seeks to extend its reach and deter its enemies.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
NEW: During a military parade to initiate the Holy Defense Week, an annual commemoration of the 1980–1988 Iran–Iraq War, the IRGC has unveiled the &#8216;Jihad,&#8217; a new liquid fuel ballistic missile with a range of 1,000 km, as well as &#8216;Shahed-136B,&#8217; a new variation of the suicide drone… <a href="https://t.co/61eaHonO6M">pic.twitter.com/61eaHonO6M</a>
— آبَوو مهـدِي (@publicInfo0) <a href="https://twitter.com/publicInfo0/status/1837519739939070371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote>“Today, our defensive and deterrent capabilities have developed to such an extent that not even the devils (US and Israel) would dream of attacking our beloved Iran,” Iran&#8217;s new president Masud Pezeshkian said at the military parade.</blockquote>

Iran unveils Shahed-136B, its new kamikaze drone with longer range and higher lethality

During the 2024 International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO) held in Kielce, Poland, WB GROUP presented a concept for a kamikaze attack drone called Warmate 50. The new Polish drone stands out for its size and exceptional range.
Still under development, the Warmate 50 is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) that will be powered by a combustion engine, allowing it to impact targets with its 50-kilogram warhead.
According to the Polish website Defence 24, WB GROUP is still working on the final design of this long-range suicide drone, and has not yet provided an estimate of its flight speed or endurance, although it was mentioned that it could carry out attacks hundreds of kilometers from its launch point (rumored to have a range of 1,000 km)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
1000 km zasięgu dla bezzałogowca od <a href="https://twitter.com/WBGroup_PL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WBGroup_PL</a>? Brałbym ? <a href="https://t.co/9RxH0h6b1E">pic.twitter.com/9RxH0h6b1E</a>
— Wojciech Kozioł (@KoziolWojciech) <a href="https://twitter.com/KoziolWojciech/status/1830878651807572146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The manufacturer also mentioned that, unlike other loitering munition models, which can swap their payloads to perform reconnaissance or attack missions, the Warmate 50 only has one type of payload &#8211; explosive &#8211;, adopting an approach to maximize combat effectiveness at the expense of the flexibility of surveillance functions. It is an unmanned aerial vehicle designed expressly for attack missions.
Drawing inspiration from the Ukraine conflict, the Warmate 50 is intended to provide a long-range strike capability, targeting deep enemy rear areas. Its design seems to be oriented towards allowing the deployment of a large number of units at a relatively low cost per platform.
A very present example of this type of system in use can be found in the Geran 2/Shahed 136 suicide drones used by Russia to <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2022/09/russia-unleashes-its-iranian-drones-against-ukrainian-positions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">attack all types of Ukrainian targets</a> at long range, launching them in large waves to wear down the adversary&#8217;s air defense capabilities.

Based on lessons from Ukraine: Poland develops the Warmate 50, a deep-stike kamikaze drone

The Japanese Coast Guard (JCG) signed the contract for the purchase of two SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircrafts (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), scheduled for delivery in 2025. This follows JCG&#8217;s existing SeaGuardian operating agreement with GA-ASI, which began in April 2022.
“Since JCG started operating SeaGuardians, they have been used for various JCG missions including supporting search and rescue and disaster response specifically during the 7.6 magnitude earthquake early this year near the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture and maritime surveillance during the 2023 G-7 Summit in Hiroshima, and the system has performed efficiently and effectively,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue.
SeaGuardian is a medium-altitude, long-endurance RPA system that can fly for 24 hours or more, depending on configuration. Whether in its SkyGuardian or SeaGuardian version, it is an RPA in high demand in the global market today.
See also: <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/02/us-approved-purchase-of-31-mq-9b-sky-guardian-unmanned-aircraft-from-india/">US approved purchase of 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian unmanned aircraft from India</a>
<figure id="attachment_49864" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-49864" style="width: 1280px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-49864" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/SeaGuardian-anti-submarino.jpg" alt="" width="1290" height="863" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/SeaGuardian-anti-submarino.jpg 1290w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/SeaGuardian-anti-submarino-300x201.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/SeaGuardian-anti-submarino-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/SeaGuardian-anti-submarino-768x514.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/SeaGuardian-anti-submarino-696x466.jpg 696w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2020/08/SeaGuardian-anti-submarino-1068x714.jpg 1068w" sizes="(max-width: 1290px) 100vw, 1290px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-49864" class="wp-caption-text">The SeaGuardian also has the capability to dispense sonobuoys to assist in anti-submarine warfare (ASW).</figcaption></figure>
GA-ASI has strengthened its Maritime Wide Area Surveillance (MWAS) for Japan with Optix+, which gathers information from the SeaGuardian sensors, as well as other data sources, displaying the full picture of surveillance information for its operator. This functionality makes it easy to task and direct its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) information in real time. GA-ASI’s Optix+ software suite rapidly correlates and exploits collected data into an easily shared common operational picture. Having multi-source correlated data enables automatic detection of anomalous behaviors over waters.

Japan Coast Guard expands SeaGuardian drone fleet to enhance maritime safety and SAR capabilities

During the first day of the Army-2024 International Military-Technical Forum, which is being held August 12-14, 2024 at Kubinka Air Base, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC or OAK, in Russian) presented a full-scale model of the S-76, a vertical take-off and landing unmanned transport system with multiple civilian and military applications.
Developed by the Sukhoi design bureau (part of UAC), the S-76 is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to meet a market demand for a more economical way to transport medium and small volume cargo by air.
<figure id="attachment_332230" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-332230" style="width: 1270px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/S-76-UAV.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-332230 size-full" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/S-76-UAV.jpg" alt="S-76 UAV drones de carga" width="1280" height="853" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/S-76-UAV.jpg 1280w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/S-76-UAV-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/S-76-UAV-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332230" class="wp-caption-text">The S-76 is an electric drone designed for transporting cargo to remote, hard-to-reach geographies or dangerous areas near the front lines.</figcaption></figure>
«UAC&#8217;s unmanned platform will make it possible to deliver loads of up to 300 kg over a distance of up to 500 km and can offer new logistical opportunities, mainly in areas that are difficult to access. The vehicle does not require specially prepared sites or airfield infrastructure. In other words, it is a convenient, fast and efficient means of transportation,» said Vladimir Artyakov, Deputy Director General of Rostec State Corporation.
The project is aimed at meeting the requirements of public entities and private transport service companies, being a dual-use technological development (civil and military). The drone will be able to perform logistic tasks, research, transport of goods, etc., even in the most difficult to access places.
<figure id="attachment_332231" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-332231" style="width: 1270px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/UAC-S-76-dron.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-332231 size-full" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/UAC-S-76-dron.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="853" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/UAC-S-76-dron.jpg 1280w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/UAC-S-76-dron-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/UAC-S-76-dron-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332231" class="wp-caption-text">With a cruising speed of 180 km/h and a flight altitude of up to 4,000 meters, the S-76 could prove to be a fairly safe way to transport food, clothing, ammunition and medical supplies to troops on the front lines.</figcaption></figure>
According to UAC, the S-76 project will make it possible to deploy automated unmanned transport systems in Russia, thanks to which it will be possible to carry out air cargo transports much more economically and with minimal human intervention. Takeoff, en route flight and landing will be fully automatic, without direct operator intervention.
<h2>S-76 system characteristics</h2>
The S-76 is a system that includes a fleet of unmanned aircrafts, a single operational control center that integrates UAVs into a single airspace and interacts with end customers, as well as ground infrastructures and landing zones.
<figure id="attachment_332229" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-332229" style="width: 1068px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/carga-S-76.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-332229 size-full" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/carga-S-76.jpg" alt="nuevos drones de carga rusos" width="1078" height="568" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/carga-S-76.jpg 1078w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/carga-S-76-300x158.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/carga-S-76-768x405.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1078px) 100vw, 1078px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332229" class="wp-caption-text">The loading and unloading system of the transported inputs was simplified to the maximum, in order to save weight, costs, and simplify operation and maintenance.</figcaption></figure>
Initially, two UAV models are being developed that will make up the S-76 family:
<ul>
<li>The large S-76, which will be capable of carrying payloads up to 300 kg over a maximum distance of 1,000 km.</li>
<li>The small S-76, which will be able to carry loads of up to 50 kg over a distance of 400 km.</li>
</ul>
The S-76 project is currently in the phase of testing key technologies and basic technical solutions, having passed the first experimental flight phase to practice vertical takeoff, hovering and landing modes.

S-76 cargo drone: UAC unveils new unmanned aerial vehicle for civilian and military applications in remote areas

The U.S. Air Force, through its innovative arm AFWERX (part of the Air Force Laboratory &#8211; AFRL -), is intensifying its efforts in the development of future airborne capabilities. In collaboration with defense contractor MTSI, they are conducting a comprehensive evaluation of Pivotal&#8217;s BlackFly electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
This initiative, part of AFWERX&#8217;s Agility Prime program, seeks not only to evaluate the performance of the aircraft itself, but also to analyze the entire ecosystem surrounding it.
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Pivotal | BlackFly Groundbreaking Technology" width="1200" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NmYuyBKJkA0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
«We&#8217;re not just interested in the aircraft&#8217;s flying capabilities,» said Josh Lane, AFWERX flight test engineer. «We&#8217;re also looking at the infrastructure, including electric charging systems like the DANNAR battery energy storage system and the portable chargers provided by the original equipment manufacturers. We are assessing the overall flight operations in the context of Air Force and other stakeholder concepts of employment.»
A crucial aspect of these tests is the evaluation of the supporting infrastructure. The use of energy storage systems such as DANNAR, provided by another AFWERX partner, is critical to ensure the operability of these aircraft in remote or challenging environments.
<figure id="attachment_331198" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-331198" style="width: 2090px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-331198 size-full" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1.jpg" alt="eVTOL BlackFly U.S. Air Force" width="2100" height="1764" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1.jpg 2100w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1-300x252.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1-1071x900.jpg 1071w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1-768x645.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1-1536x1290.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1-2048x1720.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2100px) 100vw, 2100px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331198" class="wp-caption-text">eVTOL BLACKFLY during its flight tests for the USAF. Photo: AFWERX</figcaption></figure>
The BlackFly, normally piloted, is being tested in unmanned configuration to explore its potential in a variety of missions, from logistics and material transport to emergency response and surveillance.
According to Jacob Wilson, acting head of AFWERX&#8217;s Agility Prime branch, «We are exploring a wide range of military applications for these vehicles, with the goal of accelerating commercial adoption of these innovations and ensuring a strong industrial base for these technologies.»
See also: <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="http://aviacionline.com/2023/09/joby-delivered-its-first-evtol-air-taxicab-to-the-usaf/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joby delivered its first eVTOL air taxicab to the USAF</a>
Testing is being conducted at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE), a facility specifically designed to advance the development and integration of advanced air mobility technologies. This center has an authorization certification for unmanned flight operations, allowing for a wide range of testing and analysis.
While the potential of eVTOLs is evident, there are still challenges to overcome. Range, payload capacity and battery endurance are critical factors that will determine the viability of these aircraft on the battlefield. In addition, the safe integration of these vehicles into civil and military airspace is another area that requires attention.
AFWERX&#8217;s Agility Prime program represents a significant step toward transforming military air mobility. The results of these tests will be crucial in determining the role eVTOLs will play in the future of combat.

U.S. Air Force moves forward with eVTOL integration: BlackFly tested in unmanned configuration

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) is deploying an electronic warfare pod on its MQ-9 Reaper drones that renders them nearly undetectable to enemy radar.



During an event at the Brookings Institution, General Eric M. Smith, 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, mentioned the existence of a classified pod system, which he called T-SOAR, that allows a drone to evade enemy radar detection. This is one of the new capabilities the USMC is developing for an eventual confrontation against China in the Pacific theater.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Force Design: A conversation with General Eric Smith, 39th commandant of the US Marine Corps" width="1200" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JNSyu_xdgzg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



According to General Smith, this electronic warfare pod «can mimic, I&#8217;m going to be careful, it can mimic things that are sent to it that it detects, turn them around and send them back. So it becomes a hole, it becomes a black hole. It becomes almost undetectable.»



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="320" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/MQ-9B-SOAR-1024x320.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-287217" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/07/MQ-9B-SOAR-1024x320.jpg 1024w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/07/MQ-9B-SOAR-300x94.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/07/MQ-9B-SOAR-768x240.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/07/MQ-9B-SOAR-1536x480.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/07/MQ-9B-SOAR.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">MQ-9B drone equipped with the SOAR pod. Image: GA-ASI</figcaption></figure>



The pod in question appears to be a derivative (and classified) version of the Scalable Open Architecture Reconnaissance -SOAR-, developed by L3Harris and General Atomics to equip MQ-9 family unmanned aerial systems with a powerful electronic intelligence system.



The SOAR pod provides long-range detection, identification and localization of radar signals and communication of interest. The SOAR allows operators of MQ-9s or other aircraft to provide standoff surveillance and communicates collected intelligence for processing. The system provides a low-cost, widely deployable, full-band signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="410" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SOAR-pod.jpg" alt="SOAR pod" class="wp-image-287218" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/07/SOAR-pod.jpg 1024w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/07/SOAR-pod-300x120.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/07/SOAR-pod-768x308.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SOAR pod to perform SIGINT missions. Image: General Atomics</figcaption></figure>



In short, the pod can detect radar and communications emissions, identify them, geolocate them and retransmit that information, at distances greater than the drone can be detected by those same emissions. But the system described by General Smith does something else, something very interesting and innovative.



<h3 class="gb-headline gb-headline-9e33c8c1 gb-headline-text">The «classic» stealth</h3>



Traditionally, to reduce the transverse radar signature of an aircraft and make it more difficult to detect, a combination of various methods and techniques are used, including (but not limited to):



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Shape and Surface Design: stealth aircraft have flat surfaces and sharp angles that scatter radar waves to minimize the amount of radar energy reflected in the direction of enemy radar.</li>



<li>Radar Absorbing Materials (RAM): these materials are designed to absorb radar waves rather than reflect them. They are used both in the construction of aircraft and in their coating (the famous RAM paints).</li>



<li>Infrared Signature Reduction: using special materials and design techniques, the aim is to reduce exhaust emissions and engine noise, making detection by infrared sensors more difficult.</li>



<li>Electronic Emissions Management: reducing own radio emissions to avoid detection is essential. For example, aircraft radars can be operated at lower powers to reduce the amount of energy they emit. This can be combined with the use of more efficient radar scanning techniques to obtain the necessary information without revealing the location of the aircraft.</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/B-21-Raider-1024x683.jpeg" alt="B-21 &quot;Raider&quot;" class="wp-image-222625" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/11/B-21-Raider-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/11/B-21-Raider-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/11/B-21-Raider-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/11/B-21-Raider-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/11/B-21-Raider-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">B-21 Raider, the USAF&#8217;s new «undetectable» bomber. Photo: Northrop Grumman</figcaption></figure>



Combat aircraft such as the F-117, F-35, F-22, B-2, B-21, J-20 or Su-57 (with a greater or lesser degree of success depending on the case), make use of these combined strategies to significantly reduce their detectability to enemy air defense systems, obtaining a significant tactical and strategic advantage.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-aviacionline wp-block-embed-aviacionline"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="tHjtP4x68X"><a href="https://aviacionline.com/2022/11/f-35-despite-improvements-lightnig-ii-still-cant-fly-in-storms/">F-35: despite improvements, Lightnig II still can&#8217;t fly in storms</a></blockquote><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="«F-35: despite improvements, Lightnig II still can&#8217;t fly in storms» — Aviacionline - Últimas noticias de aviación en Latinoamérica y el Caribe, España y el mundo" src="https://aviacionline.com/2022/11/f-35-despite-improvements-lightnig-ii-still-cant-fly-in-storms/embed/#?secret=D711UDaxgV#?secret=tHjtP4x68X" data-secret="tHjtP4x68X" width="600" height="338" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
</div></figure>



In short, these are mostly passive means to disguise the aircraft (also used to a lesser extent on ships and certain missiles and various drones) and make it «smaller» to radar, drastically reducing the distance at which it can be detected.



While there are technological solutions that can be applied to reduce the radar cross section (RCS) of a «traditional» combat aircraft (such as the Have Glass paint on the F-16), the fact is that to achieve the highest levels of discretion to detection, the aircraft must be designed and built in a very specific and particular way and with very specific and particular materials. All of which has a negative impact on acquisition and maintenance costs, in addition to being a very sensitive technology, jealously guarded by its developers.



<h3 class="gb-headline gb-headline-2ec0b881 gb-headline-text">Active cancellation interference: A form of «active stealth»?</h3>



If the reports about the T-SOAR pod are accurate, it could represent a breakthrough technology that would allow non-stealthy aircraft, under certain conditions, to achieve levels of low observability similar to those of fifth-generation fighters.



Speculating a bit, one possibility is that the T-SOAR pod employs active cancellation interference techniques. In this approach, the pod would detect enemy radar signals, analyze their waveform, frequency, power, and direction (likely using artificial intelligence), and generate a replicated but inverted signal that is transmitted back to the enemy radar. When superimposed on the original signal, the replicated signal could effectively cancel the radar signal, creating a «black hole» in radar detection. In essence, it works like an electronic illusionist, creating an illusion to deceive the radar.



Active cancellation interference can be effective against a wide range of radars, including Doppler, pulse, and phased-array radars. It is also a relatively simple and inexpensive technique (compared to building a stealth fighter). And if an external pod can make a drone like the MQ-9 Reaper virtually undetectable, it means it can be easily adapted to a wide variety of platforms to counter different types of radar emissions



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="544" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/MQ-9-Reaper-USMC-1024x544.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-287216" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/07/MQ-9-Reaper-USMC-1024x544.jpg 1024w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/07/MQ-9-Reaper-USMC-300x159.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/07/MQ-9-Reaper-USMC-768x408.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/07/MQ-9-Reaper-USMC-1536x816.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/07/MQ-9-Reaper-USMC.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The MQ-9 Reaper was never intended to possess low detectability, but that could change with the new T-SOAR. Photo: USMC</figcaption></figure>



Of course, there is no perfect countermeasure, and the effectiveness of cancellation interference depends on the accuracy and speed with which the enemy radar signal can be detected, analyzed, and replicated. Likewise, more sophisticated radars will be able to use advanced signal processing techniques to detect and discriminate between the original signal and the replicated signal.



As technology advances and more data processing power and more insightful AI tools become available, triangulation techniques and analysis of the general electromagnetic spectrum could make it possible to find the aforementioned «black hole» within the background noise. A small, moving «no-detection» zone raises the same suspicions as an unidentified positive contact.



Cancellation interference is not a new technique, and it has been used in various military electronic systems for decades. For example, it is part of powerful electronic warfare systems to nullify or degrade the effectiveness of an enemy radar around an area to be protected, or in radars to cancel background noise and improve the detection of small targets. But the novelty that the T-SOAR pod would bring is that it would use cancellation interference offensively, imitating and manipulating radar signals to deceive enemies, who, if all goes well, should not even know they are being jammed.



In any case, let&#8217;s not forget that this is just speculation from an overtired mind, based on a tiny bit of information.

Active Stealth? The pod that hides the MQ-9 Reaper drones from enemy radars

The SIRTAP high-performance tactical remotely piloted aerial system (RPAS) has passed the Critical Design Review (CDR), a technical milestone that sets the architecture and final design of the system.
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<h4 class="resize-observable">Highlights</h4>
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<ul data-sourcepos="3:1-7:34">
<li data-sourcepos="3:1-3:168">The objective of the CDR was to ensure that the design is ready for manufacturing and meets the customer&#8217;s requirements.</li>
<li data-sourcepos="3:1-3:168">The first flight of the prototype is scheduled for 2025 and the first delivery for the first half of 2027.</li>
</ul>
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The main objective of the CDR is to ensure that the degree of maturity of the design allows the start of manufacturing and that the design is in line with the customer&#8217;s requirements. Among the different areas reviewed, the alignment between manufacturing capabilities and design principles, the maturity of systems, subsystems and equipment has been ensured, as well as the following activities within the validation and verification process that will allow reaching the certification of the system by the end of 2026.
This important milestone of the program has been endorsed by the Spanish Ministry of Defense, SIRTAP&#8217;s launcher customer, which, in November 2023, <a href="http://aviacionline.com2023/11/spanish-ministry-of-defense-chooses-airbus-sirtap-as-its-high-performance-tactical-drone/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ordered nine systems</a>, each consisting of three air vehicles and a ground control station.
<a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SIRTAP-Infographic-EN_DS_EN_INFOGRAPHIC_MIA_20231129_SIRTAP.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" td-modal-image aligncenter wp-image-224464 size-full" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SIRTAP-Infographic-EN_DS_EN_INFOGRAPHIC_MIA_20231129_SIRTAP.jpg" alt="SIRTAP Spain Airbus" width="1200" height="675" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/11/SIRTAP-Infographic-EN_DS_EN_INFOGRAPHIC_MIA_20231129_SIRTAP.jpg 1200w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/11/SIRTAP-Infographic-EN_DS_EN_INFOGRAPHIC_MIA_20231129_SIRTAP-300x169.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/11/SIRTAP-Infographic-EN_DS_EN_INFOGRAPHIC_MIA_20231129_SIRTAP-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2023/11/SIRTAP-Infographic-EN_DS_EN_INFOGRAPHIC_MIA_20231129_SIRTAP-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></a>

The manufacturing of the components of the first SIRTAP prototype has started with the participation of a significant number of Spanish suppliers, as well as other suppliers from other regions of the world.
The first flight of the prototype is scheduled for 2025, with a view to first delivery in the first half of 2027.

SIRTAP tactical drone passes Critical Design Review and Airbus starts its production

<div>Tests are progressing on the KEMANKEŞ 2 mini cruise missile, which Turkish company Baykar is developing to equip its unmanned aerial systems with the capability to attack targets located more than 200 kms away from the launch point.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The KEMANKEŞ 2 missile has already successfully completed its second systems verification test, which are being carried out at Baykar&#8217;s Flight Test and Training Center in the Keşan district of Edirne. The latest test conducted consisted of an evaluation of its flight and navigation characteristics, being deployed by means of a ground vehicle moving at high speed.</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bayraktar <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KEMANKE%C5%9E?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KEMANKEŞ</a> 2 ????????
✅ 2. Sistem Doğrulama Testi
✅ 2nd System Verification Test <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilliTeknolojiHamlesi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilliTeknolojiHamlesi</a> ???????????? <a href="https://t.co/v1iqopBzL4">pic.twitter.com/v1iqopBzL4</a>
— BAYKAR (@BaykarTech) <a href="https://twitter.com/BaykarTech/status/1801199011350667652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
As its name suggests, the new mini cruise missile is an evolution and improvement of the <a href="http://aviacionline.com2023/04/baykar-unveils-new-loitering-ammunition-for-drones-with-more-than-50-km-range/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KEMANKEŞ 1</a>, first presented during the Teknofest 2023 exhibition in Istanbul. The aim of Baykar&#8217;s development is to equip its Bayraktar TB2, TB3 and AKINCI-type unmanned aerial systems with an intelligent munition capable of engaging tactically valuable targets, such as air defense systems, from safe distances.
<h2>El nuevo KEMANKEŞ 2</h2>
As reported by the company, it consists of a mini smart cruise missile, which can stay in the air for about 1 hour, can travel quickly thanks to its jet engine and will be effective against the most risky targets behind enemy lines. KEMANKEŞ 2, which has a mission range of more than 200 kilometers (in comparison, KEMANKEŞ 1 had a declared range of 50 km), will recognize its target thanks to its artificial intelligence-backed optical guidance system and will have the ability to destroy it with complete accuracy even in difficult weather conditions.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Türk Havacılığının Altın Çağı ????
BAYKAR Ailesi&#8217;nin yeni üyesi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KEMANKE%C5%9E?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KEMANKEŞ</a> 2 Mini Akıllı Seyir Füzesi ????????
???????? Yerli Jet Motoru Sayesinde Yüksek Süratle Hareket 
✈️ 200 km Operasyonel Menzil 
☁️ 1 Saat Azami Uçuş Süresi 
???? Yapay Zeka Destekli Oto Pilot Sistemi 
???? Katı Yakıtlı… <a href="https://t.co/7GNj66HBJ3">pic.twitter.com/7GNj66HBJ3</a>
— BAYKAR (@BaykarTech) <a href="https://twitter.com/BaykarTech/status/1796259848209805676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Artificial intelligence at the helm</h2>
<div>With its artificial intelligence (AI)-backed autopilot system, KEMANKEŞ 2 can engage targets day and night, and will be able to operate without being affected by electronic interference thanks to its anti-jamming technology. The missile will be transmitting all the data and images it obtains to the ground control station, useful for performance evaluation and confirmation that the intended target was or was not hit.</div>
<div></div>
<div>While Baykar&#8217;s publications do not specifically mention it, the use of AI could not only improve navigation by allowing it to guide itself by recognizing landmarks on the ground, but it could also search for and identify its target by comparing its silhouette with that of the images stored in its database. In this way, it could overcome the disruption of communications with the ground base or with satellites produced by powerful electronic warfare systems, a tactic widely used in the current Russian-Ukrainian war by both sides.</div>

KEMANKEŞ 2: Baykar develops new mini cruise missile with 200 km range and AI accuracy for its drones

&nbsp;
Berlin, Germany – June 5, 2024 – During the ILA Berlin International Aerospace Exhibition, Rheinmetall Electronics and MBDA Deutschland signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the intention of integrating MBDA&#8217;s SADM (Small Anti Drone Missile) into the Skyranger 30 mobile short-range air defense system and other Rheinmetall military vehicles.
Key points
<ul>
<li>The objective is to close capability gaps in mobile defense against drones at close range.</li>
<li>The SADM missile can intercept targets at ranges of 2 to 5/6 km, while the 30 mm gun would come into action at shorter ranges.</li>
<li>The long-term cooperation seeks the development, production and integration of the missile into various turret systems and Rheinmetall&#8217;s digital systems architecture.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ILA2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ILA2024</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rheinmetall?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rheinmetall</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/MBDADeutschland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MBDADeutschland</a> sign <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/agreement?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#agreement</a> to integrate the Small Anti <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Drone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Drone</a> Missile into the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Skyranger30?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Skyranger30</a> and other <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/military?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#military</a> platforms<a href="https://t.co/VFMOZr1KN0">https://t.co/VFMOZr1KN0</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ILA_Berlin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ILA_Berlin</a> <a href="https://t.co/1gCE12CFvD">pic.twitter.com/1gCE12CFvD</a>
— Rheinmetall (@RheinmetallAG) <a href="https://twitter.com/RheinmetallAG/status/1798296829379170409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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According to a joint press release from the companies, the integration aims to close capability gaps in mobile short-range anti-drone defense.
Utilizing Enforcer technologies, this new guided missile offers an effective solution against small and medium-sized drones, providing a high probability of impact at long ranges. For its part, the Skyranger 30&#8217;s 30mm cannon offers highly effective mobile defense against air threats by combining firepower, intelligent sensor technology, and high mobility at short range. This means that both weapons complement each other perfectly.
The Letter of Intent aims at a long-term cooperation for the integration of the SADM  missile into the Skyranger 30 and other military vehicles, as well as the development, production, and integration of a launcher into various turret systems and Rheinmetall&#8217;s digital systems architecture.
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Rheinmetall Mobile Air Defence: Oerlikon Skyranger® 30 Firepower" width="1200" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pKquywQblXQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Germany: «Current conflicts have clearly shown that drone defense is one of the key challenges for armed forces. In order to provide the best possible solution, we are joining forces and leveraging our partnership with Rheinmetall and its turret solutions to close capability gaps in drone defense with the help of our Small Anti-Drone Missile.»
Timo Haas, Chief Digital Officer of Rheinmetall: «As the prime contractor for the Skyranger 30 system in Germany, the Small Anti-Drone Missile is an ideal and logical addition to the capabilities of Rheinmetall&#8217;s systems and vehicles. We are working ahead of the curve and are already creating the conditions for industrial readiness in order to quickly implement customer decisions.»
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MBDA Deutschland &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/RheinmetallAG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RheinmetallAG</a> Pressemitteilung: Integration der Small Anti Drone Missile (SADM) in den Skyranger 30 &amp; weitere militärische Plattformen beabsichtigt ???? <a href="https://t.co/uzJjxqv1jD">https://t.co/uzJjxqv1jD</a> 
SADM basiert auf dem MBDA Enforcer Flugkörper, der aktuell bei der Bundeswehr als LWM… <a href="https://t.co/ano8Arbxt7">pic.twitter.com/ano8Arbxt7</a>
— MBDA Deutschland (@MBDADeutschland) <a href="https://twitter.com/MBDADeutschland/status/1798295488522801548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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This solution would allow for effective defense against Class 1 drones, i.e., those with a mass of less than 150 kg, selecting the type of weapon according to the tactical situation. MBDA&#8217;s SADM small missile can intercept targets at ranges of between 2 km and 5/6 km, while at shorter ranges Rheinmetall&#8217;s powerful 30mm cannon with programmable ammunition would come into play.

Rheinmetall and MBDA team up to combat drones, integrating SADM missiles into Skyranger 30 turrets

From June 5 to 9, during the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA in Berlin, the German branch of Airbus will present the Wingman, a conceptual unmanned combat aircraft. Thanks to the journalists present in Berlin, we can already appreciate in greater detail the mock up in real size of the drone and know its general characteristics, one day before the opening of the exhibition.
Gerhard Hegmann published on his X account (formerly Twitter), some very interesting images of the Wingman mock up while it was being assembled, which gives us a general idea of its dimensions and elegant lines. But perhaps the most interesting is the poster with the three views (a classic we love) and the general characteristics of the drone.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Einer der Stars auf der Berliner Luftfahrtmesse <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ILA24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ILA24</a> : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wingman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wingman</a> -Modell von <a href="https://twitter.com/AirbusDefence?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AirbusDefence</a> als künftig unbemannter Begleiter für Eurofighter. Schautafel zeigt, wo die Waffen versteckt werden. Kann mit und ohne Seitenleitwerk fliegen. Bislang ist es nur ein Konzept.… <a href="https://t.co/NFHytT4GiU">pic.twitter.com/NFHytT4GiU</a>
— Gerhard Hegmann (@GeHegmann) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeHegmann/status/1797930432048124241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>An elegant hunter</h2>
Wingman is characterized by a tailless design and equipped with canards on the leading edge root extensions (LERX), possessing a trimmed delta wing and an elongated and tapered fuselage. The sharp angles, the use of serrated edges, the internal weapons bay, the angled air intake of supersonic diverterless inlet (DSI) design, and the concealed “upward facing” engine exhaust outlet, speak of an aircraft configured for low observability and high aerodynamic performance.
Evidently single-engine, the aerodynamic configuration of the Wigman would indicate that it will perform very well in transonic regimes (between 980 and 1200 km/h) and, depending on the presence or not of the afterburner, it could reach supersonic speeds. This is important to be able to “ outpace ” the manned fighter it has to protect and engage in combat with other aircraft or perform penetrations into enemy territory at relevant combat speeds.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Showing the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wingman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wingman</a> is meant to be more than a &#8216;Day 1 of the war stealth platform&#8217;, Airbus artwork at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ILA24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ILA24</a> shows it fitted with &#8216;beast mode&#8217; external weapons&#8230; <a href="https://t.co/CWb2CnYxHW">pic.twitter.com/CWb2CnYxHW</a>
— Gareth Jennings (@GarethJennings3) <a href="https://twitter.com/GarethJennings3/status/1797971663675621563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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In addition to the internal weapons bay, the drone would have four under-wing hardpoints for external weapon and sensor loads, which would increase its radar signature, but enhance its lethality.
<h2>The eyes and ears of the Wingman</h2>
As primary sensors, the Airbus design shows an opening in the top of the nose for an optical/infrared element, suggesting the presence of an infrared search and track system (IRST). Beneath the fuselage, behind the weapons bay, what could be an advanced electro-optical target designation system, similar to the F-35&#8217;s EOTS, is outlined.
On the fuselage there are openings and spaces for a myriad of antennas and sensors in stealth configuration, among which appears to include an optronic missile launch detection sensor with four openings, covering 360° around the aircraft.
<a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Airbus-Wingman-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" td-modal-image aligncenter wp-image-246048 size-full" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Airbus-Wingman-scaled.jpg" alt="Airbus Wingman" width="2560" height="1350" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/Airbus-Wingman-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/Airbus-Wingman-300x158.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/Airbus-Wingman-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/Airbus-Wingman-768x405.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/Airbus-Wingman-1536x810.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/Airbus-Wingman-2048x1080.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a>
As for active detection, neither the mock-up nor the three-view graphic show evidence that the drone has a dielectric radome in the nose (or room to spare) to install a radar, under the presumed IRST. Perhaps the nose is interchangeable with other modules, as proposed for the Remote Carrier, and an AESA radar or electronic jamming equipment could be placed in place of the IRST, depending on the mission assigned to the Wingman.
There do appear to be antennas installed on the wings, which could have both passive (ESM) and active (radar or ECM) sensing functions. Advances in software and advanced TRM modules allow the same hardware to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The universal radio frequency sensor technology being developed for sixth-generation fighters (e.g., the <a href="http://aviacionline.com/2022/07/leonardo-uk-and-mitsubishi-electric-move-forward-with-jaguar-sensor-project/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JAGUAR</a> project) will combine the functions of current radar, passive radio frequency detection, jamming and communications from common elements, with the added possibility of distributing them throughout the aircraft structure, allowing 360° detection and self-defense.
<h2>Fighter size</h2>
Designed to perform missions in Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) with other manned fighters such as the Eurofighter or the F-35 Lightining II, the Wingman must be able to keep up with them for the duration of the mission. In other words, it must have similar flight performance, while carrying an adequate load of weapons and sensors. And that is why the Airbus proposal has the dimensions of a single-engine fighter, larger than a Gripen E, for comparison.
<h5>Airbus describes the drone with the following dimensions:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Wingspan of 12 meters (39.37 feet)</li>
<li>Overall length of 15.54 meters (50.98 feet)</li>
<li>Height of 2.53 meters (8.3 feet)</li>
<li>Total wing area is 61.22 square meters (61.22 square meters)</li>
</ul>
Finally, the rendering and the three views show a pair of panels on the upper forward part of the fuselage, which could be used to access the canard actuation mechanisms and other equipment for maintenance, or could be the location from which the in-flight refueling probe is deployed. Many of the tactical missions intended for unmanned combat aircraft such as the Wingman will be executed at long distances from the deployment bases, so it is not a bad idea to have this capability. It should also be noted that Airbus is a pioneer in the development of <a href="http://aviacionline.com/2023/10/airbus-demuestra-la-capacidad-del-a330-mrtt-para-el-reabastecimiento-automatico-de-cazas-f-15/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">autonomous in-flight refueling solutions</a>, so this is quite a realistic possibility.
Although a very interesting design, let&#8217;s not forget that for now the Wingman is only a concept that may or may not end up being manufactured in series, in the presented configuration or in a similar one. From Airbus they state that the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) is very interested in possessing this capability for the 2030s, and it is quite likely that they will try to embark the Spanish Air and Space Force in this project, taking into account the close collaboration established between Madrid and Berlin around the Eurofighter, the A400M, the ECRS MK1 radar and the FCAS, among other projects.

Unmanned