In mid-summer, the prototype of Airbus Helicopters’ VSR700 unmanned aerial system (UAS) undertook a 10-min flight at a drone test center near Aix-en-Provence in the south of France. This milestone follows its first flight in November 2019, when the prototype was tethered to comply with regulatory requirements. To enable this free flight, Airbus Helicopters implemented geofencing, which justified a flight clearance from airworthiness authorities for free flight. The flight test program will now evolve to progressively open the flight envelope.
Sea trials will be performed at the end of 2021 as part of the de-risking studies for the French Navy, as part of the French PlanAero, a program that will make full use of two demonstrators and an optionally piloted vehicle to develop and mature the technical and operational aspects for successful UAS operations in a naval environment.
The VSR700 was derived from Hélicoptères Guimbal’s Cabri G2, a UAS in the 500-1000 kg (1100-2200 lb) maximum takeoff weight range, with its attributes consisting of a “best balance of payload capability, endurance, and operational cost.” It can carry multiple full-size naval sensors for extended periods and can operate from existing ships, alongside a helicopter, with a low logistical footprint.
This VSR700 prototype has evolved over the last nine months since its maiden flight. The program implemented the geofencing function, as well as a Flight Termination System allowing the mission to be ended if necessary. Modifications have equally been performed to the air vehicle, alongside autopilot software evolutions and updates, as well as structural modifications and reinforcements.
