Sagem enhances Sperwer B UAV -- Greece Orders Two Extra

Posted on: Jun. 14th, 2006 || Source: sagem-ds.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

Sagem enhances Sperwer B UAV -- Greece Orders Two Extra

Sagem Defense Securite (SAFRAN Group) is currently carrying out a series of test flights in Finland for its Sperwer B extended-capacity tactical UAV.

Several flights have taken place since June 9, including a flight this past Saturday, June 10, which lasted more than ten hours, confirming the Sperwer B’s endurance capability.

The flight, which was carried out under standard conditions for the Sperwer B (i.e. with a 35kg payload), is unmatched when it comes to tactical UAVs launched by catapult.

As an upgrade of the Sperwer A UAV – currently in service – the Sperwer B is characterized by extended endurance (12-hour class) and a payload (with Sagem Défense Sécurité optronic sensor resolution improved threefold) that fulfils current military requirements.

A redundant satellite link is now offered on the Sperwer B, extending its range and enabling it to cover several hundred kilometers, while maintaining the security of flight control. This medium-speed link also means that the continuity of aircraft control is guaranteed beyond the line of sight (LOS) and video sequences can be transmitted.

Another way in which Sperwer B is being upgraded: France’s defense procurement agency (DGA) has awarded Sagem Défense Sécurité a feasibility study for the armed configuration of the system.

These tests are being carried out at the Finnish company Robonic Ltd Oy’s new site, Robonic’s Arctic Test UAV Flight Centre (RATUFC), in Kemijarvi, Finland. Sagem Défense Sécurité is the first client to use the site.

Within the framework of this European cooperation, the Sperwer B benefits from the Kemijarvi site’s large size, particularly well adapted to its performance. The tests were carried out using Robonic Ltd Oy’s MC2555LLR pneumatic catapult. Sagem Défense Sécurité will continue to work with Robonic Ltd Oy on other launches for Sperwer family UAVs.

The Sperwer tactical UAVs are developed and manufactured entirely in France. Six countries have chosen them: the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, France, Greece and Canada. Moreover, they have been used by the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan, and as such are the reference in French tactical UAVs.

The Sperwer tactical UAVs are developed and manufactured entirely in France. Six countries have chosen them: the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, France, Greece and Canada. Moreover, they have been used by the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan, and as such are the reference in French tactical UAVs.

Greek Ministry of Defense orders two additional Sperwer systems from Sagem Défense Sécurité

Eurosatory – June 13, 2006

The Greek Armed Forces have just ordered two additional Sperwer tactical UAV systems from Sagem Défense Sécurité (SAFRAN group).

Two initial systems were delivered at the end of 2004 and the beginning of 2006; they have been in use by the Greek Army – for the first time - since mid 2005.

The Sperwer systems’ configuration has been adapted to the mountainous terrain in Greece by adding aerial relay functions, carried out by a second UAV. This allows a direct link to be maintained with the aircraft ahead (up to a distance of 200km), while preserving the high resolution of images.

The Sperwer tactical UAV system is used today by our clients, in particular in several theaters of operations by multinational forces for peackeeping missions.

Developped by Sagem Défense Sécurité, the Sperwer UAV is a remote-controlled aircraft with a 4.2 meter wingspan, carrying a highly sophisticated optronic payload. Launched by a catapult, operating night and day, the aircraft is then remotely controlled by an operator in a ground control station.

The Sperwer drone system is 100% developed and produced in France. Including Greece, it has also been chosen by five other nations to date: Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, France and Canada. Already deployed by Canadian forces in Afghanistan, it is now the benchmark in tactical UAVs and the flagship of France’s product and service offering in this fast-growing market.

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About Sagem Défense Sécurité
Sagem Défense Securité is a high-technology company in the SAFRAN Group. As a leading European defense and security electronics company in Europe, its business covers three main fields: navigation and aeronautics systems, where it is the world leader in helicopter flight control; optronics and air-land systems, where it is the European leader in surveillance and fire-control optronics; and the field of security, where it is the world leader in fingerprint-based biometrics.
Its equipment and integrated systems are used worldwide, helping to ensure air transport safety, secure data transmission, personal security and governmental defense capabilities at the highest level. Through the SAFRAN Group, Sagem Défense Sécurité is present on all continents.
For further information: www.sagem-ds.com
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