Hensoldt is conducting a demonstrator study on a collision avoidance system for the upcoming Eurodrone.
The German government-commissioned study includes investigating the detect-and-avoid (DAA) radar system’s technical feasibility for the drone, its verification with a similar drone demonstrator, and risk minimization for future development.
Detect-and-Avoid Radar
The DAA system is essential for the aircraft’s full-scale operation in civil and military airspaces, according to the company.
The system “supports the calculation of evasive maneuvers for collision avoidance by detecting, classifying, and forming complete tracks of approaching objects in the airspace,” Hensoldt explained.
Demonstrator Study
In the run-up to the system’s development, Hensoldt has carried out “risk-minimizing national and European studies regarding the conception and design of a special radar sensor system for such a DAA system,” the company stated.
“The flight test campaigns carried out and the results obtained in the course of these studies in preparation for development are already proving the functional capability.”
Eurodrone
The project envisages a medium-altitude long-endurance European military drone to reduce the continent’s reliance on the American-made Reaper.
The 7.1-billion-euro ($7.7-billion) Airbus-led project involves France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
The twin-turboprop drone is intended to be available in two versions: an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance configuration, and another which will be armed.
The aircraft will be cheaper than the Reaper and capable of operating in non-segregated spaces.
The platform is expected to be delivered to Germany in 2027 and France in 2028.
