Technical problems that have dogged development of the Daimler-Benz Aerospace (Dasa) Seamos vertical take-off and landing unmanned air vehicle (VTOL UAV) could force Project Group 35 of the NATO Naval Armaments Group to drop Germany from the Maritime UAV International Technology Demonstrator Programme (ITDP). Other nations involved include the UK and the USA.
Instead, Canada - which holds observer status on the lTDP - could become a full partner once funds are found. Bombardier's CL-327 Guardian co-axial rotor VTOL UAV, which crashed last week during US trials, would then replace the Seamos.
Germany was to provide the UAV for the joint project, which calls for land-based flight tests, followed by sea trials. German project officials, according to project sources, recently told their partners that the Seamos, which evolved from the US Gyrodyne QH-SOD drone, will not be available for flight testing on schedule. According to the project sources, Dasa is talking to Honeywell's Sensor and Guidance Products unit about a replacement for the Seamos flight controls.
Worried about further delays, UK and US officials have told their German counterparts that they are seeking an alternative UAV. Bombardier officials confirm that preliminary negotiations have been conducted with the participants, but they warn that there will be no final deal unless Canada becomes a full partner.
Dasa officials were unavailable for comment as Flight International went to press.
Source: Flight International
