The Flexrotor is a Group 2 small tactical vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft system (UAS). It has a maximum take-off weight of 25 kg (55 lbs) and is designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions 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 suit customers’ unique mission needs. With the ability to autonomously launch and recover from either land or at 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.
![Unmanned aerial system (UAS), Flexrotor Unmanned aerial system (UAS), Flexrotor](https://mediarenditions.airbus.com/SctmWf2auEWYb5FdPT5idSL0If45TGlsrxVmamxpYCw/resize?src=kpkp://airbus/38/647/647451-x5g0m18lnj.jpg&w=480&h=480&t=fit)
Missions
Flexrotor delivers long endurance and high space weight and power (SWaP), enabling the expeditionary UAS to operate a wide array of sensors and capabilities. It can operate from confined land areas and from ships without flight decks, and its expeditionary capability makes it easy to transport and to go from stowed to airborne in less than 14 minutes.
Missions include:
- ISTAR
- Maritime warfare (signal Intelligence, electronic warfare, communications relay)
- Search and rescue
- Parapublic (firefighting, humanitarian missions, border security)
- Civil applications (precision agriculture, geo mapping, wildlife observation & marine science)
![USS Paul Hamilton IMX23 Operations, Copyright © Petty Officer 2nd Class Elliot Schaudt Flexrotor launch off of the USS Paul Hamilton, Copyright © Petty Officer 2nd Class Elliot Schaudt](https://mediarenditions.airbus.com/kSXbYuBis5taqNLrFUpWGF_06g68caoSWXXJo4tWM1U/resize?src=kpkp://airbus/38/657/657395-gvnl5j47w7.jpg&w=480&h=480&t=fit)
Technical description
Dimensions
Length | 2 m |
Rotor diameter | 2.2 m |
Maximum launch weight (ISA, SL) | 25 kg |
Wingspan | 3 m |
Performance
Dash speed | 140 km/h |
Endurance | Up to 32 hours |
Hover ceiling at max weight with legs closed | 1300 m |
Maximum payload | 8 kg |
Characteristics
Propulsion | Engine 28 cc 2 stroke |
Dimensions
Length | 7 ft |
Rotor diameter | 7.2 ft |
Maximum launch weight (ISA, SL) | 55 lb |
Wingspan | 9.8 ft |
Performance
Dash speed | 77 kt |
Endurance | Up to 32 hours |
Hover ceiling at max weight with legs closed | 4300 ft |
Maximum payload | 18 lb |
Characteristics
Propulsion | Engine 28 cc 2 stroke |
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