The Eurodrone program, seeking to deliver the first unmanned aerial system for non-segregated airspace flight, is advancing to its critical design review, following the completion of the project’s preliminary design check. The completed initial review included technical assessments and evaluations, including wind tunnel testing and checks on digital twin technological capabilities.
According to Airbus Defence and Space, the project’s prime contractor, it led the preliminary design review with OCCAR, the program manager, and representatives of Eurodrone customers France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The project’s three main subcontractors, Airbus Defence and Space Spain, Dassault Aviation and Leonardo, also joined the PDR.
The planned innovations in Eurodrone are aimed at operational superiority, particularly in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Airbus Defence and Space’s air power head, described the PDR completion as “an important step forward” for a key element in European defense. “It shows a real joint effort and collaborative spirit from all industrial partners and the customer community to ensure European sovereignty and independence in this critical segment of unmanned long endurance ISTAR capability,” Dumont said.