Bruno Even, the CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "We are looking forward to welcoming Aerovel into the Airbus family. This strategic acquisition aligns with our vision to expand our UAS offering and respond to a growing customer demand worldwide for additional mission capabilities such as manned-unmanned teaming. 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."
The Flexrotor represents a modern approach in unmanned aerial technology. As a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft, it boasts a maximum launch weight of 25 kg and is designed for extended ISTAR missions, capable of operating for over 12-14 hours in typical configurations. What sets the Flexrotor apart is its ability to carry various payloads, including advanced sensors and electro-optical systems, tailored to specific mission requirements. Its operational versatility is further enhanced by its autonomous launch and recovery capabilities, requiring minimal space, thus making it suitable for expeditionary missions with limited logistical footprints.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has already recognized the Flexrotor's potential, supporting its development and deploying it in various maritime security exercises. Its proven effectiveness in harsh and high-threat environments, including GPS-denied areas, underscores its utility as a force multiplier. Beyond military applications, the Flexrotor also demonstrates its utility in parapublic operations, such as forest fire surveillance and ice navigation, offering critical support in challenging scenarios.
Ali Dian, CEO of Aerovel, commented on the acquisition, "Joining forces with Airbus will allow us to scale innovation, accelerate our mission to advance unmanned aviation, and maintain our unwavering support for the US military and its allies. We are proud to become part of an organisation with a rich legacy of aerospace excellence and we look forward to leveraging our combined strengths to define the future of autonomous systems. It will also be a great tribute to our Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Tad McGeer, who has spent the last 30 years committed to delivering innovative unmanned products."
In line with regulatory and security considerations, Aerovel, based in Bingen, Washington, will remain a U.S.-owned company, operating under Airbus' Special Security Agreement (SSA) with the U.S. DoD. This arrangement facilitates continued collaboration with the U.S. military while aligning with national security protocols.
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