FRANCE - Airbus Helicopters and Aerovel have signed an agreement regarding the acquisition of Aerovel and its unmanned aerial system (UAS), Flexrotor, as part of a 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 over land.
Aerovel, based in Bingen, Wash., will remain a US-owned company and continue collaboration with the US DoD under Airbus’ Special Security Agreement (SSA).
"Aerovel's expertise in autonomous flight technology will undoubtedly complement our UAS development with the VSR700, as well as the work that we have been doing to develop interoperability,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
The Flexrotor, a modern Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft has been designed for ISTAR 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. The Flexrotor is ideal for expeditionary missions requiring minimal footprint.
Through the support of DoD, and contracted deployment in a variety of maritime security exercises, the Flexrotor is a mission-proven, force multiplier for operations in harsh, high-threat, GPS-denied environments.
The acquisition has been approved by both companies. It remains subject to regulatory approvals, as well as other customary conditions. Transaction closing is expected in 2024. (Airbus 01/15/24) Airbus Helicopters to expand unmanned aerial system portfolio with acquisition of Aerovel | Airbus
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