Eurocopter and Hélicoptères Guimbal have formed a joint venture company called Vertivision to develop and commercialise unmanned derivatives of the Guimbal Cabri G2 two-seat helicopter. Eurocopter will hold 51% of the venture.
The tie-up follows almost two years of co-operative work between Eurocopter parent EADS and Hélicoptères Guimbal to develop the EADS Orka 1200 vertical take-off and landing UAV, which is directly based on the Cabri. EADS is offering the Orka 1200 for a joint French army and navy vertical take-off/landing tactical unmanned air vehicle requirement, tenders for which were released at the end of May (Flight International, 14-20 June 2005).
A commercial version of the UAV derivative will also be studied as part of the new venture. Hélicoptères Guimbal will continue to develop the airframe. Meanwhile, Eurocopter is to develop an advanced autopilot system derived from that of its EC725 Cougar and undertake mission system integration.
Source: Flight International
