The Airbus Helicopters VSR700 is an unmanned reconnaissance helicopter being developed by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter).
| VSR700 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| VSR700 at ILA Berlin Air Show 2018 | |
| Role | unmanned reconnaissance helicopter |
| National origin | France |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters |
| First flight | 8 November 2019 |
| Developed from | Guimbal Cabri G2 |
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