BAE Systems/Dassault Telemos
| Company type | Joint venture |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
| Predecessor | BAE Systems Mantis (design influence) |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | BAE Systems, Dassault |
| Fate | Program terminated in July 2012 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom, France |
| Products | Military unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) |
The Telemos was a military unmanned aerial vehicle developed through a partnership between BAE Systems and Dassault.
Development
The design drew heavily on the BAE Systems Mantis, which had its maiden flight in 2009. Nonetheless, deploying large UAVs within UK airspace presented operational difficulties.
In 2011, a mockup of the Telemos was showcased at the Paris Air Show, with BAE Systems taking the lead in the project. While official joint requirements from British and French military forces were still in progress, key specifications were becoming clearer, including a focus on persistent ISTAR functions. Additionally, procurement decisions were expected to comply with EU competition law.
Plans were underway to formalize further agreements at the 2012 Farnborough Airshow.
The Telemos was positioned to compete against platforms such as the EADS Talarion and various American UAVs for contracts including a potential South Korean government acquisition. It was also under consideration for the Royal Air Force's "Scavenger" initiative.
The exclusive collaboration between BAE Systems and Dassault excluded other partners, strengthening their competitive edge for UK defense contracts. The Telemos was anticipated to challenge the Talarion for upcoming European procurement opportunities.
However, in July 2012, the joint Anglo-French Telemos program was terminated when France redirected its efforts toward collaboration with alternative European partners on the EADS Talarion project.
Design
Both turboprop and turbofan propulsion systems were evaluated; the model displayed at Le Bourget incorporated turboprop engines, which provided extended endurance but resulted in slower climb performance.