General Dynamics’ ENVOY Helicopter Drone Enhances ISR and SAR Capabilities at CANSEC 2025
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According to information published by General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada on X on May 29, 2025, during the CANSEC 2025 exhibition in Ottawa, the company unveiled its latest remotely piloted aerial system, now named ENVOY. Presented as a tandem-rotor helicopter, ENVOY represents a new development in the evolution of uncrewed aerial systems designed for defense and security missions. It is currently on display at booth number 1601, where visitors can also engage directly with the program team.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
ENVOY is specifically built to complement crewed helicopters in various mission types (Picture source: General Dynamics)
Based on the LX300 platform, the ENVOY system is developed to address the growing operational needs of armed forces in surveillance, reconnaissance, and interoperability in complex environments. Equipped with a certified heavy-fuel engine, the aircraft can carry up to 180 kilograms of payload, offering a flight endurance of 10 hours and an extended operational range of 200 kilometers line of sight. Its tandem-rotor configuration, paired with a quick-attach system, enables flexible deployment across a wide range of tactical scenarios. The use of aeronautical-grade composite materials in both the fuselage and rotor blades enhances reliability while minimizing vibration at the source.
ENVOY is specifically built to complement crewed helicopters in various mission types, including maritime surveillance, beyond-line-of-sight reconnaissance, target acquisition, border monitoring, search and rescue operations, vessel tracking, and ice survey missions in Arctic conditions. It can carry a wide array of mission-specific payloads, such as electro-optical/infrared gimbals, radios, radar systems, SAR kits, automatic identification and dependent surveillance broadcast systems (AIS, ADS-B), DAA (detect and avoid) systems, and equipment for first-aid delivery to isolated or distressed individuals.
General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada highlights that the system’s maintenance and operating costs remain low due to the use of high-reliability components with a long mean time between replacements. This design supports sustained operational availability during extended mission profiles. Furthermore, ENVOY is compatible with various multi-platform control stations, enhancing its integration within existing command and control structures.
Headquartered in Canada, General Dynamics Mission Systems is a subsidiary of U.S.-based General Dynamics, a major entity in the global defense industry. The introduction of the ENVOY aligns with a broader trend toward increased adoption of autonomous platforms in military operations, where uncrewed systems continue to play a growing strategic role. Through its modular configuration, payload capacity, and operational endurance, ENVOY is positioned as a relevant option for defense forces seeking RPAS platforms that meet the demands of modern mission environments.
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According to information published by General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada on X on May 29, 2025, during the CANSEC 2025 exhibition in Ottawa, the company unveiled its latest remotely piloted aerial system, now named ENVOY. Presented as a tandem-rotor helicopter, ENVOY represents a new development in the evolution of uncrewed aerial systems designed for defense and security missions. It is currently on display at booth number 1601, where visitors can also engage directly with the program team.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
ENVOY is specifically built to complement crewed helicopters in various mission types (Picture source: General Dynamics)
Based on the LX300 platform, the ENVOY system is developed to address the growing operational needs of armed forces in surveillance, reconnaissance, and interoperability in complex environments. Equipped with a certified heavy-fuel engine, the aircraft can carry up to 180 kilograms of payload, offering a flight endurance of 10 hours and an extended operational range of 200 kilometers line of sight. Its tandem-rotor configuration, paired with a quick-attach system, enables flexible deployment across a wide range of tactical scenarios. The use of aeronautical-grade composite materials in both the fuselage and rotor blades enhances reliability while minimizing vibration at the source.
ENVOY is specifically built to complement crewed helicopters in various mission types, including maritime surveillance, beyond-line-of-sight reconnaissance, target acquisition, border monitoring, search and rescue operations, vessel tracking, and ice survey missions in Arctic conditions. It can carry a wide array of mission-specific payloads, such as electro-optical/infrared gimbals, radios, radar systems, SAR kits, automatic identification and dependent surveillance broadcast systems (AIS, ADS-B), DAA (detect and avoid) systems, and equipment for first-aid delivery to isolated or distressed individuals.
General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada highlights that the system’s maintenance and operating costs remain low due to the use of high-reliability components with a long mean time between replacements. This design supports sustained operational availability during extended mission profiles. Furthermore, ENVOY is compatible with various multi-platform control stations, enhancing its integration within existing command and control structures.
Headquartered in Canada, General Dynamics Mission Systems is a subsidiary of U.S.-based General Dynamics, a major entity in the global defense industry. The introduction of the ENVOY aligns with a broader trend toward increased adoption of autonomous platforms in military operations, where uncrewed systems continue to play a growing strategic role. Through its modular configuration, payload capacity, and operational endurance, ENVOY is positioned as a relevant option for defense forces seeking RPAS platforms that meet the demands of modern mission environments.
