It must be recognized that its characteristics call attention: a Lagging greater than that of a Boeing 747 and can transport useful loads of up to 400 kg. This is the unmanned platform, known as Maps (average altitude satellite pseudo)a new drone that integrates advanced radar technologies with an extreme resistance to offer uninterrupted knowledge of maritime domain.
In an attempt to redefine long -range maritime surveillance and strategic supervision, Thales, the French company of Electronics of Defense, has joined forces with the American/Spanish Aerospace Startup Skydweller Aero for Deploy an autonomous air -powered air system, capable of a continuous flight that is measured in weeks or months.
This implies a significant improvement with respect to the previous solar UAV, whose use was limited due to its inability to transport heavy loads.
Maps, with a wingspan about 72 meters, It operates at average altitudes and without carbon emissionsallows almost permanent surveillance of vast maritime extensions, including exclusive economic zones (ZEE), maritime routes in dispute.
This strategic improvement is derived from the integration of the airmaster radar, a Set of light sensors with AI, originally developed for manned aircraft maritime patrol such as ATL2.
When operating in X band with AESA technology (active electronic attack), the airmaster s offers A rapid knowledge of the situation in air, terrestrial and maritime domains.
His Data processing based on AI allows the classification of objectives on boarddrastically reducing the data load sent to terrestrial control and allowing efficient use of bandwidth, fundamental for long -term autonomous missions.
This combination of radar with AI and the UAV of zero emissions of Skydweller creates A totally autonomous platform, capable of monitoring areas of high interest in the Mediterranean approachesthe Indo -Pacific or the Atlantic.
According to A statementthis capacity It will complement existing ISR resources, such as satellites, crew aircraft and conventional dronesproviding NATO forces, the EU and Western countries with new operational flexibility in areas that require a constant presence.
A crucial aspect is that the system of Radar Airmaster S includes autojuste functions that dynamically adapt to mission profiles and changing environmental conditions.
This level of autonomous adaptation Improve drone’s ability to fly over regions of interest during prolonged periodswithout returning to the base or requiring a expensive land intervention.
Skydweller aircraft are Built with light carbon fiber and feed entirely with solar panelswithout the need for fossil fuels or traditional replenishment infrastructure.