The VSR700 VTOL rotary wing UAV prototype developed by Airbus Helicopters completed its first autonomous flight.
The VSR700, which took off as part of a risk-free effort by Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group, operated a 10-minute flight in the south of France.
The rotary wing UAV, which is expected to begin sea tests next year, has a maximum take-off weight of between 500 and 1,000 kg. The platform, which can be equipped with a large number of sea sensors, will be deployed at the FREMM frigate in the French Navy.
211216-N-QI061-1222 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (December 16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), sits on the flight line at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard/ Released)