Airbus Helicopters is set to conduct the first fully unmanned flight demonstration of its Optionally Piloted Vehicle (OPV) by the end of June, Jane’s has learned.
The OPV is a modified Hélicoptères Guimbal Cabri G light helicopter being used to develop the control laws for the VSR700, a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (VTOL UAV) aimed at meeting a future French Navy shipborne UAV requirement called the Système de Drone Aérien pour la Marine (SDAM).
The air vehicle – which is equipped with a 155hp Continental CD-155 heavy fuel piston engine and low vibration three-blade main rotor – has logged 70 flying hours with a safety pilot on board since May 2017.
janes.com