U010 Aliaca unmanned aerial vehicle –Airbus
The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has ordered the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) version of Airbus Helicopters’ U010 Aliaca unmanned aerial vehicle, with initial deployments planned for late 2026.
The French Navy will begin deploying the VTOL version of the U010 Aliaca drone on metropolitan support and assistance vessels (BSAMs) in late 2026, followed by overseas support and assistance vessels (BSAOMs) in 2027, according to Airbus Helicopters.
These are to equip ships that were never designed to operate aircraft but which do coast guard type tasks. Notably these ships have a crew smaller than a Webber class WPC.
“Aliaca has a maximum take-off weight of 25 kg, a wingspan of 3.6 metres (11.811 feet–Chuck), and a length of 2.2 metres. The electric version offers up to three hours’ endurance and a 50-kilometre data-link range, while the hybrid version offers up to six hours’ endurance and a 100-kilometre radius of operation.”
I think the Coast Guard is probably looking at similar VTOL UAS to provide small vessels an over the horizon search capability. V-BAT VTOL UAVs are already being used on National Security Cutters, but I still don’t think they are being used on MECs. The Coast Guard does have some experience operating VTOL UAS from smaller units.
221207-N-NO146-1001 ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 7, 2022) An Aerovel Flexrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) takes off from U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145) transiting the Arabian Gulf, Dec. 7. U.S. 5th Fleet’s Task Force 59 launched the UAV during Digital Horizon, a three-week event focused on integrating new unmanned and artificial intelligence platforms, including 10 that are in the region for the first time. (U.S. Navy photo)
Paging Chuck Hill, can you imagine if the USCG got this for their near-shore, river, and Great Lakes patrol boat? https://www.twz.com/sea/new-cb90-cx-is-bigger-optionally-crewed-evolution-of-saabs-proven-combat-boat