Munich, 16 May 2024 – The Eurodrone programme has reached a significant milestone with the successful completion of its Preliminary Design Review (PDR). This review was conducted under the leadership of Airbus Defence and Space, the prime contractor, alongside OCCAR and representatives from the four partner nations: France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Additionally, the three Major Sub-Contractors (MSC)—Airbus Defence and Space Spain, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo—were present during this critical evaluation.
The PDR demonstrates the progressive maturity of the Eurodrone’s initial design, allowing the programme to advance into the detailed design phase. This achievement is the result of thorough technical assessments, including Wind Tunnel Testing to verify the aircraft’s aerodynamic configuration, evaluations of the overall design for operational capability, and the validation of a fully representative Digital Twin. The Eurodrone programme has effectively integrated both physical and digital design methodologies since its inception.
With the foundational knowledge established, the Eurodrone programme is now entering a new phase, aiming to achieve the Critical Design Review (CDR), which will mark the conclusion of the architecture and system design process.
“The completion of the Preliminary Design Review for the Eurodrone development is a vital advancement for this pivotal European defence initiative,” remarked Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space. “This accomplishment reflects the cooperative effort and collaborative spirit of all industrial partners and the customer community, reinforcing European sovereignty and independence in this essential segment of unmanned long endurance ISTAR capability.”
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the Eurodrone is set to become a cornerstone of future combat air systems, fulfilling a crucial role in international conflict prevention and crisis management. This capability will ensure operational superiority for nations, particularly within the scope of Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.
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Source: Airbus Defence and Space (2024-05-16)
