The Airbus Helicopters VSR700 is an unmanned reconnaissance helicopter being developed by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter).
Design and development
Developed by Airbus, the VSR700 is based on the Cabri G2 light helicopter, developed and produced by Hélicoptères Guimbal. Airbus was awarded a contract by the French Navy toward the end of 2017. With a maximum take-off weight around 700 kg (1,500 lb), it is a larger aircraft than the Austrian Camcopter S-100 which the French Navy has trialled before.[citation needed]
The drone is designed to eventually deploy from Mistral-class amphibious assault ship, as well as from frigates.[1]
The prototype VSR700 performed its first flight at a drone test centre near Aix-en-Provence, France, on 8 November 2019.[2]
Specifications
Data from Airbus[3]
General characteristics
- Capacity: 100 kg (220 lb) mission payload
- Length: 6.2 m (20 ft 4 in)
- Width: 1.24 m (4 ft 1 in)
- Height: 2.28 m (7 ft 6 in)
- Max takeoff weight: 700 kg (1,543 lb)
- Fuel capacity: 185 L (41 imp gal; 49 US gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × Thielert Centurion 2.0 diesel engine, 116 kW (155 hp)
- Main rotor diameter: 7.2 m (23 ft 7 in)
Performance
- Cruise speed: 220 km/h (140 mph, 120 kn)
- Endurance: 10 hours or >8 hours 100nm (185 km, 115 miles) from the boat.
- Service ceiling: 6,000 m (20,000 ft)
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists