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EADS EAGLE UAV selected for extensive testing by the UK armed forces

London, 01 September 2003

The EADS Eagle UAV system has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence for the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) aspect of the Joint UAV Experimental Programme (JUEP). As announced by EADS during the Defence Systems & Equipment International exhibition in London, the JUEP programme will evaluate through experimentation and trials the potential roles and military utility of UAVs across the UK armed forces. During this first year, the Eagle will take part in military exercises in the USA and in Canada. It will carry a high definition Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), electrooptic/ infrared Sensors and Laser Target Marking and Designation. “The Eagle is well suited for this experimental role. Its large payload bay provides space for multiple sensors or other experiments to be carried simultaneously and has exceptional flight duration in excess of 24 hours,” explained Stefan Zoller, CEO and President of the new Defence & Communication Systems Business Unit (in formation) of EADS. The Eagle UAV is a twin boom unmanned aircraft with a large fixed wing, equipped with fuel tanks and an anti-icing system to provide an all weather capability.

The secured communications suite of the Eagle would normally comprise a line of sight datalink and a Satellite communications system fitted in the nose. The Eagle is also available with an automatic take off and landing system, so the aircraft does not need a qualified pilot to fly in any mode. The aircraft will operate autonomously but mission parameters can be modified during the flight to accommodate new tasks. EADS Defence Systems & Electronics (UK) Ltd., based in Milton Keynes and part of EADS Defence & Communication Systems, is providing the Eagle for this MALE aspect of the JUEP effort. The Eagle will be flown with UK military markings and DS&E UK, who are fully qualified under AVP-67 to fly UAVs within UK designated military airspace, will be providing controllers, mission planners, sensor operators and specialised technical assistance in support of the MOD’s trial and experimental schedule.

“The selection of the EADS Eagle UAV by the British MoD is a tribute to the qualities of the system in terms of flight performance, reliability and flexibility,” declared Stefan Zoller, CEO and President of EADS Defence Communications and Systems (DCS).

The Eagle system is manufactured by the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Division of DCS, who are currently contracted to supply three such systems for the French armed forces. ISR is a major supplier of commercial and military satellite communications, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and Mission Aircraft and offers to its customers Multi-platform, Multi-sensor, Integrated Intelligence Systems. EADS is a global aerospace and defence leader, and the world's second largest in terms of revenues. EADS maintains a workforce of more than 100,000 and is a market leader in defence technologies, commercial aircraft, helicopters, space, military transport and combat aircraft, as well as related services.

Your contact:

Patrick Brunet,
Phone: +33-1-3463-7079
Fax : +33-1-3463-7377
E-Mail: patrick.brunet@sysde.eads.net