Falco Xplorer French Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Falco Xplorer

Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Spotted an error? Sign in to suggest an edit.

Falco Xplorer French Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) (A)TRADOC ODIN WEG

Basic Information

Name

Falco Xplorer French Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Designation

Falco Xplorer

Alternate Designation

Falco Xplorer

Equipment Type

Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Manufacturer

Leonardo

Date of Introduction

2019

Description

The Falco Xplorer French Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is an Italian medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) remotely piloted aircraft system developed by Leonardo S.p.A., representing a significant advancement in the company's unmanned reconnaissance capabilities. The platform features distinctive design elements, including a V-shaped tail boom, pusher propeller configuration, and retractable landing gear. Each operational unit comprises a ground control system, ground data terminal, support equipment, and two aircraft. The aircraft's extended loiter capability and high payload capacity enable deployment across diverse mission profiles ranging from persistent maritime surveillance to theater-wide reconnaissance operations. Leonardo leverages operational experience from prior Falco family deployments, including UN operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and European Union border surveillance through Frontex, to refine the Xplorer's design and operational protocols.

Air & Air Defense Specifications

Engine Heavy-Fuel Engine (160 hp)

Max Speed 350.0 km/h

Range 200.0 km

Endurance 24.00 hrs

Service Ceiling 9144 m

Wingspan 18.50 m

Payload Capacity 350 kg

System

Alternate Designation Falco Xplorer

Type Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Manufacturer Leonardo

Payload Capacity 350 kg

Radar System The Gabbiano T80UL multi-function synthetic aperture radar (SAR) provides all-weather surveillance capabilities including ground moving target indication and conventional mapping modes. This radar system enables detection and tracking of maritime and terrestrial targets regardless of atmospheric conditions.

Electro-Optical System The Lightweight Electro-Optical Space Sensor (LEOSS) gyrostabilized turret accommodates up to eight integrated sensors comprising infrared and visual cameras, laser rangefinder, laser illuminator, and laser designator. This sensor package enables precision targeting and real-time visual intelligence collection across the visible and thermal spectrum.

Signals Intelligence The SAGE electronic intelligence (ELINT)/signals intelligence (SIGINT) system intercepts and analyzes electromagnetic emissions. Maritime variants incorporate Automatic Identification System (AIS) integration for vessel tracking.

Control Architecture and Beyond-Line-of-Sight Operations The Falco Xplorer employs satellite communications for beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations, enabling command and control from geographically distant locations. The ground control station architecture supports both pre-programmed autonomous flight operations and real-time manual intervention, providing operators flexibility across mission phases. Mission data processing accommodates both real-time assessment and post-mission analysis, with remote video terminals enabling live intelligence dissemination during maritime operations.

Dimensions

Length 9.0 m

Height 3.5 m

Wingspan 18.5 m

Maximum Takeoff Weight 1,300 kg

Automotive

Engine Name BRP-Rotax

Engine Type Conventional aviation engine, specifically a Rotax Heavy Fuel Engine (HFE)

Engine Power 160 hp

Maximum Speed 350 km/h

Cruise Speed INA

Maximum Range 200 km

Service Ceiling 9,144 m

Endurance over 24 hours

Armament

Note Leonardo initially presented the Falco Xplorer as an unarmed intelligence platform, stating in 2019 that weaponization was not part of the design roadmap. However, at the 2023 Paris Air Show, Leonardo demonstrated an armed variant equipped with Brimstone 3 air-to-ground missiles, marking a strategic departure from initial positioning. The platform's 350-kilogram payload capacity permits configuration with up to six Brimstone 3 missiles or twelve rockets, depending on customer requirements.

Image Sources

Notes https://www.army-technology.com/projects/falco-xplorer/?cf-view; https://www.edrmagazine.eu/weaponising-leonardos-falco-xplorer; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonardo_Falco_Xplorer

Details

Country of Origin France

Category UAVs

Air > UAVs

Classification

Domain

Air & Air Defense

Equipment Status

Active

Dimensions

Length

9 m

Width

18.5 m

Height

3.5 m

Weight

1300 kg

Operators (5)

France

Germany

Italy

Sweden

Spain

Something went wrong. Please reload the page. Reload