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Based on the Moyen Duc demonstrator, Dassault Aviation
and Sagem are jointly developing a concept of a new stealthy tactical
drone which will be able to penetrate hostile airspace at high speed
and loiter over targets undetected, collecting real-time information.
This versatile vehicle will be designed for two optimal
performances at high speed (in excess of Mach 1.6) and fast climb, to
comply with airspace management constraints, and relatively low-speed
(around 120 kt), long endurance flight profiles. Speed will be adapted
to the mission requirements and sensors, to enable high performance on
fast reconnaissance missions. Its flexibility will allow reaching the
target within minimal time to carry out selective surveillance tasks
at speeds in line with the sensor's acquisition capabilities,
including pursuit of time sensitive targets and battle damage
assessment.
The aircraft will be powered by a two jet engines, and
maintain a gross takeoff weight of 500 kg. Planned mission endurance
will be 3 – 4 hours. The vehicle is expected to be used with the
French Army at corps and division level. It will utilize common ground
elements, also used by Sperwer UAVs.
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