Contributor - UK

David Donald

Thales has launched a new UAV system at the Farnborough Airshow. Known as Fulmar X, the UAV offers an endurance of greater than eight hours and an operating range of over 500 miles (800 km), yet the air vehicle has a wing span of just 10 feet (three meters). Developed by Thales in Spain, the Fulmar has been selected by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, which is buying six systems to equip fast patrol craft.

 


Constructed entirely from composites, Fulmar X is launched from a bungee catapult and recovered into a net, allowing it to be used from confined spaces and at sea. It carries a combined electro-optical/infrared sensor, and can be configured with AIS (automatic identification system) for maritime missions, and a transponder. It can be operated as a stand-alone system, or be integrated into wider surveillance systems.

 


Thales is also displaying its Spy’Ranger mini-UAV, which was developed in conjunction with Aero Design. The air vehicle has an advanced sensor gimbal that allows it to maintain track on targets even when the vehicle is maneuvering hard. It also has an encrypted and robust datalink so that communications are maintained in an environment where certain anti-drone measures are being employed.

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Versatile UAV Launched by Thales

The Fulmar has been selected by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, which is buying six systems to equip fast patrol craft.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

MQ-9B-mounted radar could complement piloted GlobalEye assets

Saab Fields Interest In LoyalEye Surveillance System

Hanneke Weitering

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Hybrid-electric Chaparral drone makes first uncrewed eIPP flights

Elroy Air, Bristow Fly Autonomous Freighter in Louisiana

At air force show, the company displayed mock-up of autonomous collaborative platform 

Saab Details Plans For Future Fighter Tech Demonstrators

Charles Alcock

The company assembled the first example in around nine months 

GKN Unveils Swedish Military UAV Technology Demonstrator

Operational trials were held in Michigan during July 

Regent Demonstrates Seaglider Drone in U.S. Navy Exercise

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

More In Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Saab Fields Interest In LoyalEye Surveillance System

MQ-9B-mounted radar could complement piloted GlobalEye assets

Elroy Air, Bristow Fly Autonomous Freighter in Louisiana

Hybrid-electric Chaparral drone makes first uncrewed eIPP flights

Saab Details Plans For Future Fighter Tech Demonstrators

At air force show, the company displayed mock-up of autonomous collaborative platform

GKN Unveils Swedish Military UAV Technology Demonstrator

The company assembled the first example in around nine months

Regent Demonstrates Seaglider Drone in U.S. Navy Exercise

Operational trials were held in Michigan during July

Elroy Air Wins $46 Million Army Contract for Chaparral

Contract covers jam-resistant navigation and hardened communications links

Robinson Unmanned Advances Through U.S. Drone Program

Sovereign manufacturing expertise essential to Pentagon initiative

U.S. Air Force Extends Collaborative Combat Aircraft Trials

Anduril’s semi-autonomous YFQ-44A Fury evaluated in Nevada sorties

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN