AeroVironment and Eurocopter Might Jointly Develop Unmanned Helicopters | Aviation International News

AeroVironment and Eurocopter Might Jointly Develop Unmanned Helicopters

Eurocopter plans for unmanned flight by combining AeroVironment’s unmanned aircraft technology and systems integration skills with Eurocopter’s helicopter technology.

Eurocopter flew this “optionally piloted” version of the EC145 in France earlier this year. The EADS subsidiary is now exploring opportunities that might be created by cooperation with AeroVironment. (Photo: Eurocopter)

By Chris Pocock • Defense Correspondent

October 25, 2013

AeroVironment and Eurocopter are exploring opportunities for cooperation. The potential transatlantic team would combine AeroVironment’s unmanned aircraft technology and systems integration skills and knowledge with Eurocopter’s helicopter technology expertise, a Eurocopter spokesman told AIN.

AeroVironment developed the first hand-launched unmanned aircraft for military surveillance in 1987. Since then, the company claims to have won “every U.S. Department of Defense competition for small UAS programs of record.” It has delivered more than 20,000 new and replacement Puma, Raven and Wasp small unmanned air vehicles to customers within the U.S. and to more than 20 international governments. Last July, the Puma received an FAA type certificate, allowing restricted commercial operations. AeroVironment also produced the Global Observer hydrogen-powered unmanned aircraft.

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