Eurodrone Completes Critical Design Review, Moves to Production
The CDR validates Eurodrone’s mature design, paving the way for ground tests and first flight.
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The Eurodrone programme, developed by Airbus Defence & Space, Leonardo, and Dassault Aviation under OCCAR management, has achieved a major milestone with the successful completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR). This marks the conclusion of the design phase and authorizes the start of prototype production and ground testing leading to the first flight.
The CDR confirms the technical maturity of the system, validating all structural, electronic, and functional aspects of the future European Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). With this step completed, the consortium will now begin manufacturing major components and conducting integration tests, paving the way toward the maiden flight and qualification activities.
The Eurodrone will be Europe’s first fully sovereign MALE RPAS, designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. Built to meet the most demanding airworthiness standards, it is intended to operate in non-segregated airspace, a key requirement for its integration alongside civil and military traffic.
Technologically, the platform incorporates an open architecture that supports future growth and customization for each user nation. Its advanced data and communications architecture ensures secure and efficient transmission of mission-critical information, while its sensor suite and avionics integrate state-of-the-art technologies to provide high situational awareness and mission flexibility.
The modular design allows easy upgrades in payload, data links, or propulsion systems, ensuring long-term growth potential and a sustainable operational life. Moreover, as a fully ITAR-free system, Eurodrone offers Europe a sovereign ISR capability with full control over maintenance, upgrades, and export.
With the design phase now completed, the programme will advance to prototype production and ground integration tests, leading to the maiden flight and subsequent qualification. This milestone consolidates Eurodrone’s position as a technological cornerstone of Europe’s next-generation air power, enhancing the continent’s strategic autonomy and joint defense capabilities.
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