French Navy Successfully Tests Airbus Flexrotor Drone for Maritime Surveillance Missions

The French Navy recently carried out a successful three-day trial of the Airbus Flexrotor drone, testing its performance aboard a patrol vessel off the northwest coast of France. The demonstration, which took place from June 3 to 6, was part of the Navy’s PERSEUS initiative, a program focused on introducing modern and innovative technologies into naval operations.

The Flexrotor is a compact, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aerial system (UAS) designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. This drone is particularly useful for naval forces because it can operate in challenging maritime conditions, taking off and landing from the limited deck space of small ships.

During the tests, the Flexrotor completed over 12 flight hours, carrying out both day and night missions. It provided real-time surveillance and intelligence to the ship’s crew, helping them track targets and monitor the surrounding sea area. The system’s ability to autonomously launch and recover on a moving vessel showcased its value for future naval operations.

One of the key advantages of the Flexrotor is that it needs just a 3.7-by-3.7-meter space for launch and recovery. This makes it ideal for patrol ships or vessels without large flight decks. The drone’s compact, expeditionary design allows it to be assembled and ready for flight in less than 30 minutes, enabling rapid deployment during emergencies or missions.

Specifications of Airbus Flexrotor:

• Type: Tactical Group 2 VTOL UAS

• Maximum Take-Off Weight: 25 kg (55 pounds)

• Endurance: 12 to 14 hours of continuous flight

• Dash Speed: Up to 140 km/h

• Maximum Payload: 8 kg

• Launch/Recovery Space Required: 3.7 m x 3.7 m

• Operational Capabilities: Day and night surveillance, intelligence gathering, and maritime monitoring under various sea and weather conditions

• Deployment Time: Under 30 minutes from stowed to operational

The Flexrotor is equipped with advanced electro-optical sensors and surveillance payloads, allowing it to gather high-quality images and real-time data for situational awareness. Its endurance and flexibility make it suitable not only for military missions but also for search and rescue, border security, electronic warfare, signal intelligence, and maritime domain awareness.

This successful trial highlights how modern drones like the Flexrotor can enhance naval capabilities, especially for smaller ships operating in constrained and unpredictable environments. The French Navy’s interest in such systems points to a future where uncrewed aerial systems will play a larger role in safeguarding maritime interests and coastal security.