Airbus DS Exhibits a Eurodrone Mockup at The Paris Air Show 2023

At the Paris Air Show 2023, which took place from June 19–25 in Le Bourget, France, aerospace company Airbus Defense and Space GmbH (Airbus DS) brought a 1:1 Eurodrone mockup.

Eurodrone is a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) type of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) with versatile capabilities that can be adapted to mission needs.

The company says it is a perfect platform for Intelligence, surveillance, Target acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions or homeland security operations as well.

Regarding its characteristics, the Eurodrone has a length of 16 m, a wingspan of 26 m, a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 11,000 kg, and a payload capacity of 2,300 kg.

Eurodrone is equipped with a pair of turboprop engines placed at the rear. Its cruising speed is around 500 km/h, and the maximum flight altitude is 13,700 m.

The armed reconnaissance variant of the Eurodrone can carry a variety of high-precision guided weapons, either missiles or smart bombs.

In February 2022, Airbus DS and the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) signed a global Eurodrone contract, which covers the development and manufacture of 20 systems and 5 years of initial in-service support.

Airbus DS acts as a representative for three Major subcontractors (MSC): Airbus DS SAU in Spain, Dassault Aviation in France, and Leonardo SpA in Italy.

Meanwhile, OCCAR acts on behalf of the four user countries: Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.

The Airbus DS facility in Manching, Germany, has been designated as the final assembly and ground testing site for the Eurodrone.

The Eurodrone's first flight is scheduled for 2025, before first delivery in 2028 under a 60-year long-term contract.

The main users of Eurodrone are the German Air Force with 21 units, the French Air and Space Force with 12 units, the Italian Air Force with 15 units, and the Spanish Air Force with 12 units.