Airbus completes acquisition of Aerovel and its UAS Flexrotor

Airbus has finalised the acquisition of Aerovel, a U.S.-based company renowned for its unmanned aerial system (UAS), Flexrotor, enhancing Airbus’s array of tactical unmanned solutions. Flexrotor is a compact tactical unmanned aerial system specially crafted for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions both at sea and on land.

“We see more and more armed forces and para-public agencies around the world looking to investigate how unmanned aerial systems can strengthen their intelligence and surveillance capabilities. The Flexrotor, as a vertical take-off and landing UAS, fits into our strategy to expand our UAS offerings. Together with the VSR700, we will continue to develop manned-unmanned teaming to offer our customers the enhanced and expanded mission capabilities that they require to monitor and safeguard their communities and critical infrastructure, while preserving essential assets such as helicopters,” said Mathilde Royer, Head of Strategy and Sustainability at Airbus Helicopters.

Flexrotor, a cutting-edge vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft, boasts a maximum launch weight of 25 kg (55 lbs) and is optimised for ISTAR missions lasting over 12-14 hours in a typical operational setup. It accommodates various payloads, including electro-optical systems and advanced sensors, tailored to meet diverse mission requirements. Its autonomous launch and recovery capabilities from land or sea, needing only a compact 3.7 by 3.7 m (12 by 12 ft.) area, make it ideal for expeditionary missions with minimal footprint requirements.

With support from the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) and deployment in various maritime security exercises, Flexrotor proves to be a mission-proven asset, augmenting operational capabilities in challenging, high-threat, GPS-denied environments. Moreover, Flexrotor is deployed in para-public missions such as forest fire surveillance, aiding firefighters with crucial imagery day or night, and addressing other demanding mission needs like ice navigation in the Arctic ocean, law enforcement, and border patrol.

Aerovel, currently employing over 30 personnel, demonstrates significant growth potential. It will continue to design and manufacture Flexrotor in Bingen, Washington, leveraging an established and mature UAS ecosystem.