The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has signed a contract with ESG Elektroniksystem und Logistik GmbH (ESG) for the delivery of three SEA FALCON Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), the BAAINBw has announced. The systems, the main elements of which consist of two SKELDAR V-200 aircraft and a ground control station, will be fully integrated with the K-130 class corvettes. The UAVs are to enable the corvettes to reconnoitre and identify sea targets beyond the range of the onboard optical sensors. Due to its low optical and acoustic signature – particularly in night flight – the Navy expects to gain a significant capability enhancement in combating piracy and arms smuggling by sea.
Compared to manned helicopters, the system has lower maintenance costs and a smaller footprint, the procurement authority writes. The contract also includes the provision of spare parts packages, the initial training of technical and flight personnel, as well as the establishment of a training site for the system on land within the next four years.
JH
