Airbus SIRTAP Drone Enhanced by New Navigation Technology
French aerospace company Exail, in collaboration with Spanish firm Grafinta, is set to enhance the capabilities of the Airbus SIRTAP tactical drone by equipping it with the advanced UmiX-40 Inertial Measurement Unit. This cutting-edge technology is designed for high-precision navigation and stabilization, making it ideally suited for compact platforms like the SIRTAP, which often operate in constrained environments.
The UmiX-40 features robust in-house developed fiber-optic gyroscopes and vibrating beam accelerometers, which ensure reliable performance even in settings where Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are unavailable. Offering high bandwidth and precise 3D rotational measurements, this innovative system guarantees low noise and latency, critical for missions requiring utmost precision.
Seamless Integration for Extended Operations
With its plug-and-play setup, the UmiX-40 allows the SIRTAP drone to carry out extended Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions while maintaining accurate navigation from takeoff to landing. This is particularly important in degraded environmental conditions, enhancing the drone’s operational adaptability.
According to Alexandre Maia, Regional Sales Manager at Exail, the UmiX-40’s combination of precision, durability, and compactness makes it exceptionally suitable for the demanding needs of the SIRTAP Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). He emphasized that its high-performance features will deliver reliable and accurate navigation solutions essential for the operational requirements of the Spanish Army and the Air and Space Forces.
Overview of the SIRTAP Drone
The SIRTAP drone represents a significant advancement in unmanned aerial systems, specifically designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks. Developed by Airbus, this long-endurance aircraft can integrate dual payloads, such as an electro-optical turret and multi-mission radar, allowing it to conduct versatile missions.
Impressively, the SIRTAP can sustain flight for over 20 hours and cover a distance exceeding 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles). Its robust design is complemented by an ice protection system and the ability to function in extreme temperatures, ranging from -40 to +50 degrees Celsius (-40 to +122 degrees Fahrenheit). This ensures operational reliability across a diverse range of conditions.
Contract Milestone for the Spanish Armed Forces
Last year, Airbus announced significant progress in the development of the initial prototypes of the SIRTAP drone specifically for the Spanish Armed Forces. This marks a crucial evolution in military drone technology as Spain seeks to bolster its ISR capabilities.
In 2023, a pivotal contract was signed between Madrid and Airbus worth 495 million euros ($554 million), for the acquisition of nine SIRTAP systems. Each system comprises three unmanned aerial vehicles along with a dedicated ground control station, enhancing Spain’s defense capabilities in the evolving landscape of aerial warfare.
