Airbus to Support European M2UAS Drone Project
The European Defence Agency (EDA) has partnered with Airbus Helicopters to research and develop a platform for the organization’s Multi Mission Unmanned Aircraft System (M2UAS) project.
M2UAS seeks a modern European drone capable of performing missions such as surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic warfare, weapons deployment, and in-flight refueling.
The effort is backed by 1.1 million euros ($1.2-million) in funding and will take place over four years.
In the project’s initial phase, lasting 12 months, the company will determine current and future mission requirements, technological challenges, and related development approaches to support the initiative.
Airbus will provide its Capa-X platform as the primary testbed, aiming to enhance the drone’s efficiency, versatility, and flexibility for autonomous multi-mission operations while guiding and optimizing key equipment options.
“We would like to thank the EDA for the trust it has placed in us,” said Christophe Canguilhem, Capa-X program director at Airbus Helicopters.
“This selection is a major recognition of our expertise in tactical drone systems and reflects our commitment to supporting the development of innovative European defence capabilities.”
The Capa-X System
Capa-X, developed by Airbus segment Survey Copter, features a modular structure that can be recalibrated beyond military use while complying with user-specific regulations.
The aircraft measures 4 meters (13 feet) long, weighs 120 kilograms (265 pounds), has a wingspan of 6 meters (20 feet), and can carry up to 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of payload.
It has a top speed of 150 kilometers (93 miles) per hour, an operational altitude of 3,000 meters (9,843 feet), a deployment time of less than 20 minutes, and an endurance of over 10 hours.
“The characteristics of the Capa-X system make it particularly well suited to the M2UAS project, while offering a scalable operational solution that can be adapted to the needs of the armed forces,” Canguilhem stated.
