Airbus Finalizes Acquisition of Aerovel
Recently, Airbus has finalized the acquisition of U.S.-based Aerovel and its unmanned aerial system (UAS), Flexrotor. Aerovel is led by the aeronautical veterans who invented and developed the Group 2 small tactical unmanned aerial system (STUAS), a backbone of US military and allied intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions worldwide. Their newest STUAS, the Flexrotor, is a VTOL-capable UAV with flight time surpassing 20 hours of continuous operations in a 120-kilometer communications range, proving itself in some of the most demanding conditions.
The first trials of the Flexrotor UAV by the US Navy took place in December 2022 aboard a US Coast Guard vessel operating in the Arabian Gulf. The launch was a part of Digital Horizon, a three-week event focused on integrating new unmanned and artificial intelligence platforms, conducted by Task Force 59. The results of the Flexrotor were satisfactory regarding its ISR capabilities.
The Airbus acquisition of Aerovel is a part of the company’s UAV portfolio extension. The continuing digitalization of the battlefield demands modern solutions enabling various sensors and systems that enable fast data gathering and exchange of information.
Mathilde Royer, Head of Strategy and Sustainability at Airbus Helicopters, said:
“We see more and more armed forces and parapublic agencies around the world looking to investigate how unmanned aerial systems can strengthen their intelligence and surveillance capabilities. The Flexrotor, as a vertical takeoff and landing UAS, fits into our strategy to expand our UAS offerings. Together with the VSR700, we will continue to develop manned-unmanned teaming to offer our customers the enhanced and expanded mission capabilities that they require to monitor and safeguard their communities and critical infrastructure, while preserving essential assets such as helicopters.”
Flexrotor is a STUAS with great potential for its application. Its ISTAR capabilities can be suited for different types of operations and various needs of potential clients, as the UAV market rapidly expands.