HANGAR TALK UNMANNED
flight of the VSR700 prototype is a major milestone for the program, as we make progress on the operational demonstrator for the French Navy that will perform trials in 2021 in partnership with Naval Group.”
The VSR700, derived from Hélicoptères Guimbal’s Cabri G2, is an unmanned aerial system in the 500-1,000 kg maximum takeoff weight range. It offers the best balance of payload capability, endurance, and operational cost. It is capable of carrying multiple full-size naval sensors for extended periods, and can operate in existing ships, alongside a helicopter, with a low logistical footprint.
VSR700 Prototype Performs First Flight
The prototype of Airbus Helicopters’ VSR700 unmanned aerial system has performed its first flight at a drone test center near Aix-en-Provence in the south of France. The VSR700 performed several takeoffs and landings with the longest flight lasting around 10 minutes.
In accordance with the airworthiness authority that provided the flight clearance, the VSR700 was tethered with 30-meter
cables to fully secure the flight test zone. The subsequent phases of the flight test program will now evolve towards free flight, and then progressively open the flight envelope.
“The VSR700 is a fully-fledged unmanned aerial system, capitalizing on Airbus Helicopters’ extensive experience of advanced autopilot systems and engineering expertise to provide modern militaries with new capabilities,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO. “This first
The VSR700 prototype that has just performed its maiden flight is a step change from the optionally piloted demonstrator that first flew in 2017 and was based on a modified Cabri G2 equipped for autonomous flight. Compared to the demonstrator, the VSR700 prototype has a specialized set of avionics and an advanced flight control system, a payload bay in place of the pilot station designed to manage mission equipment, and a sleeker, more aerodynamic shape to improve flight performance.
these special security instructions. The FAA has published a new NOTAM, FDC 9/1278, that alerts UAS operators and others in the aviation community to this change and points to FDC 9/7752.
UAS Operations Restricted at More Federal Facilities
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) airspace restrictions over additional national security sensitive locations.
In cooperation with its federal partners, the FAA will restrict UAS operations in the airspace over 60 additional Department of Defense and Department of Justice facilities to
address concerns about
malicious drone activity. An FAA Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), FDC 9/7752, defines
UAS operators are strongly advised to review these NOTAMs, as well as important supporting information provided by the FAA’s UAS Data Delivery System (UDDS) website. This website contains the text of FDC 9/7752 (click on “UAS NOTAM FDC 9/7752” on the scroll bar along the top of the page).
Further down the page is an interactive map (“Map of FAA UAS Data”) displaying restricted airspace throughout the U.S. Zooming in will enable viewers to click on each of the 60 new DOD and DOJ locations and see the specific restrictions.
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The restrictions will also be included in the FAA’s B4UFLY mobile app.
UAS operators who violate these flight restrictions may be subject to enforcement action, including potential civil penalties and criminal charges.
The FAA considers requests by eligible federal security agencies for UAS-specific flight restrictions using its authority under 14 CFR § 99.7. The agency will announce any future changes, including additional locations, as appropriate.
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