In a pivotal move toward advancing unmanned aviation capabilities, Airbus Helicopters and Aerovel have officially signed an agreement, marking a significant step in the acquisition of Aerovel and its state-of-the-art unmanned aerial system (UAS), Flexrotor. Positioned as a crucial element in Airbus' broader strategy, this development aims to bolster the company's array of tactical unmanned solutions.
Aerovel Acquisition - A
Driver for Progress
At the core of this strategic initiative is the assimilation of Aerovel into the Airbus family. Situated in Bingen, Washington, Aerovel will continue as a proud US-owned company, sustaining a strong collaboration with the US Department of Defense (DoD) under Airbus' Special Security Agreement (SSA). With approvals from both entities secured, the acquisition is well underway, set to conclude in 2024, subject to regulatory clearances and customary conditions.
Vision for Progress and
Advancement
Ali Dian, CEO of Aerovel, expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing the potential to scale innovation and accelerate the mission to advance unmanned aviation. Dian underscored the unwavering support for the US military and its allies, envisioning a collaborative effort that shapes the future of autonomous systems. The acquisition is not just a strategic move but also a tribute to Tad McGeer, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Aerovel, who dedicated three decades to delivering innovative unmanned products.
Manned-Unmanned
Collaboration and Global Reach
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, shared his anticipation for welcoming Aerovel into the Airbus family. He highlighted the strategic alignment of this acquisition with Airbus' vision to expand its UAS offering and meet the increasing global demand for additional mission capabilities, especially in the realm of manned-unmanned collaboration. The partnership also seeks to leverage Aerovel's expertise in autonomous flight technology, complementing ongoing UAS development initiatives.
Flexrotor: Shaping the
Landscape of Unmanned Aerial Systems
A central component of this collaboration is the Flexrotor, a modern Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft. With a maximum launch weight of 25 kg, Flexrotor is purpose-built for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, enduring over 12-14 hours in typical operational configurations. Notably, Flexrotor's adaptability includes seamless integration of various payloads, making it an ideal choice for a spectrum of mission needs.
Proven Excellence in
Operations and Environmental Adaptability
Flexrotor's capability to autonomously launch and recover from land or sea, requiring only a compact 12 by 12 ft. area, positions it as the optimal solution for expeditionary missions with minimal footprint requirements. Supported by the US Department of Defense and deployed in diverse maritime security exercises, Flexrotor has proven to be a mission multiplier, excelling in challenging, high-threat, GPS-denied environments.
Beyond Military
Applications: Flexrotor's Civil Utility
Flexrotor extends its utility beyond military applications, addressing parapublic missions like forest fire surveillance, providing critical day and night images to firefighters. Additionally, its capabilities extend to ice navigation, aiding naval vessels through Arctic ice.
The Aerovel acquisition signifies a strategic leap forward for Airbus Helicopters, propelling progress and setting the stage for the future of tactical unmanned solutions. As the transaction approaches its 2024 conclusion, the collaborative endeavors between Airbus and Aerovel are poised to redefine the landscape of autonomous systems, contributing to advancements in unmanned aviation on a global scale.
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