The Eurodrone program has successfully conducted a preliminary design review (PDR). Led by prime contractor Airbus Defense and Space, this major program milestone was completed in the presence of three major subcontractors (MSCs), Airbus, along with representatives of OCCAR and four customer countries (France, Germany, Italy and Spain). Defense and Space Spain, Dassault Aviation and Leonardo.
The PDR demonstrated the continued maturity of the aircraft's initial design, paving the way for detailed design. This is the result of various technical evaluations and evaluations performed, including wind tunnel testing to confirm the Eurodrone's aerodynamic configuration, overall design to ensure demonstration of operational capabilities, and validation of a fully representative digital twin. From the beginning, the Eurodrone program leverages the benefits of both design philosophies: physical and digital.
With the support of and building on the knowledge already collected, the Eurodrone program enters a new phase to reach the Critical Design Review (CDR), which represents the final stage and finalization of the architecture and system design.
“Conducting the preliminary design review for the development of the Eurodrone represents an important step forward for this key European defense program,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defense and Space. “This demonstrates a truly joint effort and spirit of cooperation from all industry partners and the customer community to ensure European sovereignty and independence in this critical sector of unmanned long-endurance ISTAR capabilities.”
Designed to deliver innovative cutting-edge technologies and become one of the key pillars of future combat air systems, Eurodrones will become an indispensable feature in promoting international conflict prevention and crisis management and ensuring operational superiority for the nation in particular situations. It performs intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.