European Maritime Safety Agency Selects Airbus Flexrotor Drone For Maritime Surveillance Missions

Airbus has been awarded a €30 million framework contract by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to provide Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) services for multipurpose maritime surveillance with the Flexrotor Uncrewed Aerial System. These services enhance Coast Guard missions by offering extended coastal range and long-endurance capabilities.

“We are proud to partner with the European Maritime Safety Agency on this turnkey contract which allows the Flexrotor to fly operationally for the first time in Europe and to serve the critical mission of enhancing maritime surveillance,” said Victor Gerin-Roze, Head of Uncrewed Aerial Systems at Airbus Helicopters. “We have conducted multiple demonstration flights with the Flexrotor across Europe, showcasing its long endurance and the variety of systems it can carry, which is unique for a UAS of this size. We welcome the opportunity to demonstrate in Europe why the Flexrotor is the leading high-performance, reliable solution for this mission profile,” he added.

The core service includes flight operations utilizing the Flexrotor system, delivering Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) and radar imagery. This data will be seamlessly streamed to the EMSA RPAS Data Centre used by the relevant national authorities of the Member States to follow the flights live. The services will directly support Coast Guard operations including search and rescue operations, fisheries control and environmental protection, as well as detection of illicit maritime activities.

The Flexrotor surveillance capabilities will support the national competent authorities of EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland, as well as relevant EU institutions. Under this contract the Flexrotor systems can be deployed in two operations in parallel with take-off sites within any participating country with the flexibility to add supplementary parallel operations if requested.

The initial framework contract is for two years, with the provision for two additional one-year option periods, extending the maximum potential delivery timeframe up to four years. Service is scheduled to begin in 2026. Operations will be performed by French service provider Extensee.

The Flexrotor is a modern Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft with a launch weight of 25 kg (55 lbs), it has been designed for ISTAR missions for more than 12-14 hours in a typical operational configuration, and 10 hours in EMSA configuration. It can integrate different types of payloads including an electro-optical system and advanced sensors to suit customers’ unique mission needs. With the ability to autonomously launch and recover from either land or sea requiring only a 3.7 by 3.7 m (12 by 12 ft.) area, the Flexrotor is ideal for expeditionary missions requiring minimal footprint.

… notes from SP

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Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World! EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation. EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck. This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries. About EVVTOL • EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs! • EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology. • EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain. (evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

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