Full Operational Configuration Sea Trial for VSR700
Airbus Helicopters and the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) have successfully conducted the inaugural operational sea trial of the unmanned aerial system (UAS) VSR700. This significant achievement marks the first time the VSR700, configured for operational use, was tested from a ship at sea. Taking place at the outset of May, the VSR700 demonstrated its prowess through a series of 80 fully autonomous take-offs and landings from a civilian vessel equipped with a helicopter deck. The trials unfolded off the coast of Brittany in western France.
A precedent for this accomplishment was established in 2022 when the autonomous take-off and landing capabilities of the VSR700 were evaluated from the same vessel using an optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) based on a modified Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter. This platform incorporated the autonomous take-off and landing (ATOL) system developed for the VSR700. The subsequent test campaign involved the SDAM demonstrator and effectively validated the system’s capabilities as part of the SDAM (Système de Drone Aérien pour la Marine) study, a joint effort between Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group initiated in 2017.
Central to the VSR700’s capabilities are its autonomous take-off and landing features, facilitated by the Airbus DeckFinder system. This technology enables unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) to be autonomously launched and recovered with a remarkable accuracy of 10 to 20 centimeters. These operations can be executed even in challenging environments with harsh weather conditions, independently of GNSS/GPS signals, and unaffected by degraded visual conditions.
This recent testing initiative follows two prior rounds of trials conducted with the DGA in late 2022 and early 2023 at the Levant Island test center situated in the southern region of France. These trials encompassed a comprehensive evaluation of the SDAM prototype’s ability to function in a maritime setting. Not only were the aircraft’s handling qualities assessed, but the sensors, including maritime surveillance radar, electro-optical sensors, and an AIS receiver, were also scrutinized alongside the mission system developed by Naval Group.
Looking ahead, the next phases of development will involve the second VSR700 prototype’s maiden flight, slated to take place before flight testing aboard a French Navy FREMM-class frigate during the latter half of this year.
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