Airbus Helicopters and Aerovel have signed an agreement regarding the acquisition of Aerovel and its unmanned aerial system (UAS) Flexrotor, as part of Airbus’ strategy to strengthen its portfolio of tactical unmanned solutions. 

Flexrotor is a small tactical unmanned aerial system designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions at sea and on land. 

According to Airbus, this strategic acquisition aligns with its vision to expand their UAS offering and respond to a growing customer demand worldwide for additional mission capabilities such as manned-unmanned teaming, while Aerovel’s expertise in autonomous flight technology will complement Airbus’ UAS development with the VSR700 as well as the work they have been doing to develop interoperability.

The Flexrotor, a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft with a maximum launch weight of 25 kg has been designed for ISTAR missions lasting for more than 12-14 hours in a typical operational configuration. It can integrate different types of payloads including an electro-optical system and advanced sensors to meet customers’ mission needs. 

With the ability to autonomously launch and recover from either land or sea requiring only a 12 x 12 ft. area, the Flexrotor is ideal for expeditionary missions requiring minimal footprint. 

The system can also be used for missions such as forest fire surveillance providing firefighters with critical images day or night and ice navigation helping guide naval vessels through ice in the Arctic ocean.

The acquisition has been approved by the relevant bodies of both companies, yet is still subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. Transaction closing is expected in 2024.

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