The Eurodrone program has successfully completed its Preliminary Design Review (PDR) process, marking a significant milestone. This phase was led by Airbus Defence and Space, with support from subcontractors Airbus Defence and Space Spain, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo. The review was overseen by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), representing France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
During the PDR, the Eurodrone’s initial design underwent continuous maturation. This involved various technical assessments and evaluations, including wind tunnel testing to verify the drone’s aerodynamic configuration. The overall design was scrutinized to ensure it could demonstrate operational capability, and a fully representative Digital Twin was validated. These steps were crucial in refining the drone’s design before moving to the next phase.
With the PDR completed, the program now advances to the detailed design stage. This will be followed by the critical design review, which will finalize the architecture and system design of the Eurodrone.
The Eurodrone is set to become the first unmanned aerial system designed to operate in non-segregated airspace, thanks to its modular design that allows for future upgrades. It is intended for a range of missions, including homeland operations, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR), as well as armed ISTAR missions.
Originally, the Eurodrone’s first flight was anticipated in 2025, with initial deliveries expected by 2028. This timeline reflects the program’s commitment to developing a sophisticated, versatile drone that meets the needs of its partner nations.
In summary, the Eurodrone program’s successful completion of the PDR process signifies a major step forward. With detailed design and critical review stages ahead, the program is on track to deliver a cutting-edge unmanned aerial system capable of performing a variety of missions in non-segregated airspace. This development underscores the collaborative effort of European nations in advancing their defense capabilities through innovative technology.
