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Aliaca French Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Aliaca

Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
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Aliaca French Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
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Aliaca French UAV (A)TRADOC ODIN WEG
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Basic Information
Name
Aliaca French Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Designation
Aliaca
Alternate Designation
Aliaca
Equipment Type
Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Manufacturer
developed by Survey Copter, an Airbus Defence and Space subsidiary
Date of Introduction
2025
Description

The Aliaca French Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a Category 2 lightweight tactical uncrewed aerial system (UAS) developed by Survey Copter, a subsidiary of Airbus Defence and Space, and was unveiled at SOFINS 2025 in Bordeaux. This system marks a significant operational advancement of the established Aliaca platform by integrating vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability into the existing fixed-wing design. The VTOL variant broadens the drone's operational scope beyond maritime missions to include special forces, rapid deployment operations, and environments with limited infrastructure, while maintaining the reliability and performance demonstrated by the original system in service with the French Navy. All Aliaca variants utilize a unified ground control station (GCS) developed by Survey Copter, which features advanced autonomous flight management capabilities: ​ ​ Fully autonomous flight execution with operator oversight; Real-time reception of EO/IR imagery and AIS data; An intuitive operational interface that facilitates efficient command execution; 24-hour operational capability; Common interface across all Aliaca system variants (fixed-wing and VTOL). The unified ground control ecosystem decreases operator training requirements and streamlines logistics across diverse force structures.

Air & Air Defense Specifications
Engine Hybrid thermal engine (piston). The hybrid thermal variant effectively doubles the electric model's performance envelope, enabling extended surveillance operations over broader geographic areas—critical for maritime zone management or special operations requiring sustained presence.
Max Speed 150.0 km/h
Range 80.0 km
Endurance 6.00 hrs
Wingspan 3.50 m
Payload Capacity 3 kg
Variants
Aliaca VTOL Evo (Electric) The electric version provides low noise operation, with a range of 50 km, an endurance of up to 3 hours, and a payload capacity of 2 kg.
System
Alternate Designation Aliaca
Type Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Manufacturer developed by Survey Copter, an Airbus Defence and Space subsidiary.
Payload Capacity 3.0 kg
Minimum Takeoff Requirement 5m × 5m footprint
Sensor and Payload Integration The Aliaca VTOL integrates purpose-built reconnaissance payloads developed internally by Survey Copter: ​ ​ Primary Sensor Suite GX5 gyrostabilized electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera: High-performance imagery delivery for day/night surveillance. Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver: Vessel detection and identification capability spanning several hundred kilometers, enabling intelligence collection and maritime target tracking. Flexible payload integration: Alternative sensor configurations available for mission-specific requirements. The gyrostabilized camera system maintains image coherence during platform maneuvers, while the AIS receiver provides passive maritime domain awareness without emitting detectable signals.
Ground Control Architecture All Aliaca variants operate through a unified ground control station (GCS) developed by Survey Copter, incorporating advanced autonomous flight management capability: Full autonomous flight execution with operator monitoring; Real-time reception of EO/IR imagery and AIS data; Intuitive operational interface enabling efficient command execution; 24-hour operational capability; Common interface across all Aliaca system variants (fixed-wing and VTOL). The unified ground control ecosystem reduces operator training burden and simplifies logistics across heterogeneous force structures.
Dimensions
Length 2.1 m
Height INA
Wingspan 3.5 m
Maximum Takeoff Weight 27 kg
Automotive
Engine Name INA
Engine Type Hybrid thermal engine (piston). The hybrid thermal variant effectively doubles the electric model's performance envelope, enabling extended surveillance operations over broader geographic areas—critical for maritime zone management or special operations requiring sustained presence.
Engine Power INA
Fuel Compatibility JET A1, JP5, JP8
Maximum Speed 150 km/h
Cruise Speed INA
Maximum Range 80 km
Service Ceiling INA
Endurance 6 hours
Image Sources
Notes https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/defence/uas/aliaca
Details
Country of Origin France
Category UAVs
Air > UAVs
Filter Label
A
Classification
Domain
Air & Air Defense
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
2.1 m
Width
3.5 m
Height
—
Weight
27 kg
Operators (1)
France
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