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EADS successful in modernization of CL-289 Reconnaissance UAVs

First system delivered

Friedrichshafen, 24 April 2003

In a “roll-out” ceremony, the first modernised AOLOS-289 reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been handed over by EADS to the German armed forces.

The modernisation of the CL-289 unmanned reconnaissance systems is carried out by EADS Systems & Defence Electronics. The contract with an original volume of EUR 27m has been awarded by NAMSA (NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency) to Dornier GmbH, a subsidiary of EADS. The extensive development activities with final test flights of the prototypes have been successfully carried out by EADS Systems & Defence Electronics in due time.

As reported by Dornier GmbH on Thursday, the original contract volume has been increased in the meantime by additional adaptation orders to an overall volume of approx. €36m. The AOLOS-289 programme mainly covers the conversion of the flight software for the on-board UAV computer. With start-up of first batch delivery, a total of 160 vehicles for Germany and France will be upgraded into the new configuration in series production.

Stefan Zoller, President and CEO of EADS Systems & Defence Electronics: “The delivery of the first modernised series UAVs is a successful milestone for the complete project. AOLOS-289 is the basis for the planned CL-289 product improvement and, for many years to come, it ensures reliable use of the reconnaissance system which was successfully flown already in Bosnia and Kosovo.“

The CL-289 unmanned reconnaissance system, a joint development of Canada, France and Germany, has been in service with the German and French armed forces since 1991. The UAVs are equipped with an infra-red line scanner and an optical camera. On a pre-programmed flight path, they fly over the terrain to be monitored (range of approx. 400 kilometres, speed of approx. 730 kilometres/hour). The modernisation of the drones ensures not only performance enhancement but also further maintenance and repair activities. “Further demonstration flights with the newly equipped series UAVs will take place by the end of March 2003 for obtaining formal type certification. CL-289 modernisation will cover a period of three years. Thus, we ensure the operational capability of the reconnaissance systems during this period”, said Gerd Runde, Head of the ISR Operating Unit responsible for AOLOS.

With approx. 6,000 employees, EADS Systems & Defence Electronics is one of the leading suppliers of defence electronics in Europe. S&DE delivers central systems of defence electronics for major procurement programmes, such as the A400M transport aircraft, Eurofighter, Tiger helicopter and the German K130 corvette and command and control systems. Within S&DE, the ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) Operating Unit is responsible for all manned and unmanned reconnaissance systems. Furthermore, it delivers ground stations for strategic, operational and tactical reconnaissance.

Friedrichshafen, March 24, 2003/01003

For further information:

Business Unit Systems & Defence Electronics
Michael Hartwig, Tel: +49 (0) 7545 8-9124;
Fax: –8-5888
E-Mail: michael.hartwig@dornier.eads.net