Airbus Helicopters began testing autonomous sea take-off and landing capabilities for the VSR700, an unmanned aerial system (UAS) being developed under the SDAM (Système de drone aérien de la Marine) program, led by the DGA (Direction générale de l'Armement – the French Directorate General of Armament) for the French Navy.
The tests were carried out using an optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) based on a modified Guimbal Cabri G2 equipped with the autonomous take-off and landing system (ATOL) developed for the VSR700.
This flight test campaign paves the way for the next demonstration of the VSR700 at sea aboard a French Navy frigate.
“These tests under real conditions constitute a crucial step in the campaign that we will carry out at sea with the DGA and the French Navy later this year”, explained Nicolas Delmas, head of the VSR700 program at Airbus Helicopters.
“Using the OPV, we demonstrate the unique autonomous takeoff and landing capabilities of the VSR700. We also proved the optimal functioning of the vehicle and its command station interface on board a vessel under realistic conditions.”
The test campaign was carried out off the coast of Brest, , on board a civil vessel equipped with a helicopter landing pad in the presence of DGA experts.
As well as demonstrating the ATOL system developed for the VSR700, the tests were also used to evaluate approach procedures prior to landing on the vessel.
The flight envelope of the VSR700 at sea in close proximity to a vessel has been tested against development objectives and confirmed to be fully compatible with naval operations.
Both semi-autonomous and fully autonomous modes of the ATOL system have been successfully demonstrated in different sea states. The VSR700 uses Airbus DeckFinder to enable autonomous take-off and landings from the ship's deck in all weather conditions, day or night. In total, 150 launches and autonomous recoveries were carried out. The handling and maneuvering of the OPV, representative of the VSR700, on the ship's deck were also tested.
The OPV can carry a test pilot to allow for safer and more agile initial testing before these systems are integrated into the fully autonomous VSR700. The OPV initially performed piloted take-offs and landings before progressively switching to fully autonomous maneuvers.
Designed to operate alongside other shipborne naval assets, the VSR700 is a UAS in the maximum takeoff weight range of 500-1.000 kg.
Offers the best balance of payload capacity, endurance and operating cost. It is capable of carrying multiple full-sized marine sensors for extended periods and can operate from existing ships, alongside a helicopter, with a low logistical footprint.
The first VSR700 prototype performed its maiden flight in 2020 and expanded its flight envelope in 2021. In April 2021, the DGA ordered a second VSR700 prototype to focus on testing covering SDAM requirements and allowing for broader development and fast for that goal.
With information from Airbus.
