Airbus Helicopters VSR700
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Eurocopter |
| Headquarters | France |
The Airbus Helicopters VSR700 represents an unmanned reconnaissance rotorcraft engineered by Airbus Helicopters (previously known as Eurocopter).
Design and development
Derived from the light helicopter model Cabri G2 produced by Hélicoptères Guimbal, Airbus obtained a contract from the French Navy towards the end of 2017. With a maximum takeoff mass near , it surpasses the size of the Austrian Camcopter S-100, which had been tested earlier by the French Navy.
The VSR700 has been tailored for operations aboard Mistral-class amphibious assault ship vessels as well as frigates.
Its maiden flight took place on 8 November 2019 in the vicinity of Aix-en-Provence, France. The French Navy aimed to procure six units by 2025, intending to integrate them on principal surface warships commencing in 2027-28.
A variant configured for anti-submarine warfare incorporates a surface-search radar, four Thales Sonoflash sonobuoys, and supports Manned-Unmanned Teaming with the NH90 NFH helicopter.