The Eurodrone program has completed its Preliminary Design Review (PDR) process.
Prime contractor Airbus Defence & Space led the review, involving subcontractors Airbus Defence & Space Spain, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo.
Europe’s defense procurement body, the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), represented partner nations France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Preliminary Design Review
The drone’s initial design consistently matured during the review.
The process included “technical assessments and evaluations conducted, such as Wind Tunnel Testing to confirm the aerodynamic configuration of Eurodrone, the overall design to ensure demonstration of operational capability, and the validation of a fully representative Digital Twin,” Airbus explained.
The program now reaches the detailed design stage, which will be followed by the critical design review — the end of architecture and system design.
Eurodrone
The first unmanned aerial system designed to fly in non-segregated airspace, Eurodrone’s modular design will enable future upgrades.
Expected missions include homeland operations; intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR); and armed ISTAR.
The drone’s first flight was originally expected in 2025, and initial deliveries in 2028.
