Helsing reveals CA-1 Europa autonomous UCAV
Having revealed a full-scale conceptual mock-up of the CA-1 Europa (pictured), Helsing plans to field a production model of the autonomous UCAV in the next four years. (Helsing)
Helsing has revealed its new CA-1 Europa autonomous unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
Unveiled as a full-scale mock-up during a media event at Helsing's Grob Aircraft subsidiary in Germany on 25 September, the CA-1 Europa combines the company's earlier Centaur artificial intelligence (AI) pilot algorithm development work with Grob's design and manufacturing capabilities into a multirole unmanned combat jet.
“With CA-1 Europa, Helsing is combining the Centaur autonomy stack with Grob's proven capability in aircraft design and manufacturing in the three-to-five-tons class. Helsing is working with leading players in the European manufacturing ecosystem to build the aircraft with a focus on scalability and a resilient European supply and logistics chain. Development and testing of the CA-1 Europa is taking place at Grob Aircraft,” Helsing said.
“Designed as an autonomous multirole jet achieving high subsonic speeds, CA-1 Europa is tailored to the requirements of intelligent mass. The platform combines a mass-producible airframe with powerful but affordable payload and world-leading software for situational awareness and mission execution. It is configured to complete missions as a single asset or as part of a swarm,” the company added.
According to the announcement, CA-1 Europa features an advanced software operating system for flexible integration of sensors, self-protection systems, effectors, and software applications. Helsing will also deliver a command-and-control (C2) system to support operators in planning, controlling, and surveilling assets in complex autonomous missions. The platform is controllable by Helsing's Centaur AI pilot and is suitable for various mission types, including deep precision strikes utilising an internal weapons bay and electronic warfare via Helsing's Cirra AI suite.
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