France orders VSR700 unmanned helicopters

A VSR700 UAV at Airbus Helicopters Marignane facility in October 2024. The French Navy is to receive six systems from 2028. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

France has ordered the Airbus Helicopters VSR700 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft system (UAS), the manufacturer announced on 16 January.

The French Defence Procurement Agency (Direction Générale de l'Armement: DGA) has placed an order with Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group for six VSR700 systems to be delivered to the French Navy from 2028.

“The VSR700 will be delivered in an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) configuration comprising a surveillance radar, an electro-optical system, and an AIS [Automatic Identification System] receiver. Naval Group will ensure its integration into the overall architecture of the ships and its interconnection with the combat system thanks to the Steeris Mission System,” Airbus Helicopters said.

The VSR700 is essentially a Hélicoptères Guimbal Cabri G2 light helicopter that has been fitted with autonomous technologies that include a sense-and-avoid capability. The VSR700/Cabri G2 is powered by a 180 hp Lycoming O-360 piston engine (derated to 145 hp), has a gross weight of 700 kg, a maximum speed of 185 km/h, a range of 700 km, and a service ceiling of just under 13,000 ft.

The mission fit includes the Diadès C-Ranger 200 X-band maritime surveillance radar, an L3Harris Wescam MX-10 electro-optic/infrared turret, and an AIS receiver. Airbus Helicopters has also demonstrated the VSR700's ability to team with crewed helicopters using the HTeaming solution.

For more, please see Airbus ready to launch VSR700 procurement for France .