Airbus Expands Drone Portfolio with Aerovel’s Flexrotor Acquisition

Airbus, a major player in aerospace, has completed its purchase of Aerovel, a U.S.-based company known for the Flexrotor unmanned aerial system (UAS). This acquisition marks a significant expansion in Airbus‘ tactical unmanned solutions, spotlighting the growing role of drones in modern surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

The Significance of Flexrotor

The Flexrotor is not just any drone; it’s a small tactical UAS designed specifically for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions both at sea and over land. Its capabilities are tailored to meet the rigorous demands of maritime and terrestrial surveillance, making it a critical tool for armed forces and public safety agencies globally.

Mathilde Royer, Head of Strategy and Sustainability at Airbus Helicopters, emphasized the strategic fit of the Flexrotor within Airbus’ broader UAS strategy.

“The Flexrotor, as a vertical takeoff 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 enhanced and expanded mission capabilities,” Royer stated.

These capabilities are essential for monitoring and protecting communities and critical infrastructure while conserving key assets like helicopters.

Flexrotor’s Operational Excellence

The Flexrotor stands out with its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) feature and a maximum launch weight of 55 lbs. Capable of enduring missions lasting 12-14 hours, this UAS can carry various payloads, including electro-optical systems and advanced sensors tailored to specific operational needs. Its autonomous launch and recovery capabilities require minimal space—just a 12 by 12 ft area—making it perfect for expeditionary missions with limited operational footprints.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has supported the Flexrotor, proving its effectiveness in harsh, high-threat environments, including GPS-denied areas. It has been utilized in numerous maritime security exercises and is also deployed for parapublic missions like forest fire surveillance and ice navigation. These missions provide critical support in fire management and guide naval vessels through ice-covered waters in the Arctic.

Continued Growth and Innovation in Bingen

Aerovel, which employs over 30 people, shows promising growth prospects. Post-acquisition, it will continue to operate out of Bingen, Washington, benefiting from an established and mature UAS ecosystem. This location will remain a hub for the design and manufacture of the Flexrotor, ensuring continuity and innovation in the development of advanced unmanned systems.

The acquisition of Aerovel by Airbus represents a strategic enhancement of Airbus’ capabilities in the unmanned aerial system sector. With the addition of the Flexrotor, Airbus is set to provide more sophisticated and versatile solutions to meet the diverse needs of its global clientele, reinforcing its position in the evolving landscape of aerial surveillance and intelligence.