Dassault Aviation has unveiled a maritime surveillance unmanned air vehicle based on the SC2A Ameur Aviation Altania light turboprop. The concept is being evaluated under a contract from France's DGA procurement agency as a possible organic UAV for the navy's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and potentially for through-deck helicopter carriers.
The UAV will weigh up to 500kg (1,100lb), including a search radar and an electro-optical sensor payload. It will have an endurance of 12h.
The study is due to finish at the end of this year, with an optionally piloted prototype being proposed by Dassault, Elbit Systems and Thales.
Source: Flight International
