Aircraft
Mixed Messages, Outlook for Future Euro-MALE UAV
The question of certification looms large in any evaluation of future MALE UAVs for European nations.
Will a European MALE UAV ever be built? This concept model was displayed at the 2013 Paris Air Show by EADS-Cassidian (now Airbus Defence & Security). (Photo: Chris Pocock)
Will a European MALE UAV ever be built? This concept model was displayed at the 2013 Paris Air Show by EADS-Cassidian (now Airbus Defence & Security). (Photo: Chris Pocock)

Airbus Defence & Space (D&S), Alenia and Dassault Aviation have proposed a Project Definition (PD) study for a future European medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV to the governments of France, Germany and Italy. At the same time, however, Airbus D&S may be working with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) to develop what it describes as “bridging solution” for the German armed forces, using the Heron TP. Meanwhile, General Atomics–Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) is quietly confident that Germany may join the European “Reaper Club” that already comprises France, Italy and the UK as members.