US to Modernize Philippine Navy with Advanced Aerovel Flexrotor VTOL Drone
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On December 3, 2024, according to MaxDefense Philippines, the Philippines will receive a new technological asset in the field of maritime surveillance and defense with the arrival of the Flexrotor, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) provided by Aerovel, a subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters. This deployment is part of an enhanced collaboration between the Philippines and the United States Department of Defense (DoD), aimed at modernizing and expanding the capabilities of the Philippine armed forces. The Flexrotor, specifically designed for the Philippine Navy, is intended to operate from small vessels such as patrol boats, offering increased operational flexibility in complex maritime environments.
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Aerovel Flexrotor Vertical Takeoff and Landing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The Flexrotor stands out for its compact design and exceptional performance. Measuring only 2 meters in length, with a wingspan of 3 meters and a rotor diameter of 2.2 meters, this UAV is perfectly suited for restricted platforms, thereby minimizing the need for support infrastructure. Equipped with a 30-hour endurance and capable of reaching a maximum speed of 140 km/h, the Flexrotor can undertake long-duration surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Its payload capacity of 7.7 kg allows the vehicle to be outfitted with various sensors and equipment, making it versatile for both maritime and land operations.
The integration of the Flexrotor into the Philippine forces represents a significant strategic advancement. Its VTOL capability allows for rapid and flexible deployments, even in areas where space is limited or weather conditions are unfavorable. This versatility greatly enhances the Philippine Navy’s ability to monitor vast maritime areas, detect potential threats, and respond swiftly when needed. Additionally, the compact design of the Flexrotor facilitates its storage and transport, enabling effective implementation in various operational configurations.
In parallel, the Philippine Navy has also launched a tender for “suicide drones” capable of VTOL flight, aiming to further strengthen its offensive capabilities while maintaining the option to reuse the drones in case of mission cancellation. The acquisition of the Flexrotor and the ongoing pursuit of advanced technologies demonstrate the Philippines’ commitment to modernizing its armed forces and ensuring maritime security in a strategic region. These initiatives not only bolster national defense but also pave the way for future innovations in the field of unmanned aerial systems.
The Flexrotor is Classified as a Group 2 STUAS, Equipped with VTOL Capabilities, Designed to Meet US Department of Defense Specifications
The Flexrotor is classified as a Group 2 small tactical unmanned aerial system (STUAS), equipped with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities, designed to meet the United States Department of Defense (DoD) specifications. Intended for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, it is usable in both military and civilian contexts. Its capabilities include the detection and real-time transmission of imagery related to unusual or threatening activities and explosive devices, making its use relevant not only for the armed forces but also for government, security, and law enforcement operations.
Moreover, the Flexrotor is useful in civilian sectors such as weather reconnaissance, geological surveys, environmental monitoring, fishery surveillance, and offshore patrol. It offers an optimal blend of small size, significant payload and range, economy, autonomy, and deployment flexibility, thereby meeting a wide range of operational needs.
A key feature of the Flexrotor is its stabilized Alticam imaging turret, capable of capturing HD imagery both day and night with its daylight and infrared cameras. This functionality allows for directing and zooming, facilitating the capture and real-time analysis of video imagery that can be shared across various platforms. Additionally, the Flexrotor supports a variety of payloads tailored to mission needs and can transmit real-time video over a range of 120 km. The system’s design allows for the operation of multiple units from a single control station, thereby enhancing its surveillance capabilities and enabling effective coordination during operations. Fully autonomous after takeoff and operating efficiently in GPS-denied environments, the Flexrotor is suitable for both military and civilian applications, including environmental monitoring and data collection.
In terms of technical performance, the Flexrotor offers over 30 hours of flight endurance, a communication range of 120 kilometers, and requires a small area (approximately 6m x 6m) for takeoff and landing thanks to its folding legs. The UAS operates autonomously after takeoff, reducing the need for pilot intervention. Its specifications include two puller rotors, a rotor diameter of 2.2 meters, and a maximum payload capacity of 7.7 kg, among other features. Designed to be payload-agnostic, the Flexrotor can accommodate various sensors and equipment, including advanced electro-optical and medium-wave infrared turrets, wide-area search capabilities, and communication relays. This ensures that the system can be adapted to specific mission requirements, such as advanced telescopic imaging for day and night, laser illumination and designation, and maritime wide-area search and identification.
During maritime surveillance operations conducted by the US Naval Forces Central Command’s Task Force 59 in the Strait of Hormuz, the Flexrotor demonstrated its capability for extended flight duration and payload carrying in challenging wind conditions. Remarkably, it can be assembled for flight in just 10 minutes by two operators, with an additional 15 minutes required to set up the base equipment.
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On December 3, 2024, according to MaxDefense Philippines, the Philippines will receive a new technological asset in the field of maritime surveillance and defense with the arrival of the Flexrotor, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) provided by Aerovel, a subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters. This deployment is part of an enhanced collaboration between the Philippines and the United States Department of Defense (DoD), aimed at modernizing and expanding the capabilities of the Philippine armed forces. The Flexrotor, specifically designed for the Philippine Navy, is intended to operate from small vessels such as patrol boats, offering increased operational flexibility in complex maritime environments.
Aerovel Flexrotor Vertical Takeoff and Landing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The Flexrotor stands out for its compact design and exceptional performance. Measuring only 2 meters in length, with a wingspan of 3 meters and a rotor diameter of 2.2 meters, this UAV is perfectly suited for restricted platforms, thereby minimizing the need for support infrastructure. Equipped with a 30-hour endurance and capable of reaching a maximum speed of 140 km/h, the Flexrotor can undertake long-duration surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Its payload capacity of 7.7 kg allows the vehicle to be outfitted with various sensors and equipment, making it versatile for both maritime and land operations.
The integration of the Flexrotor into the Philippine forces represents a significant strategic advancement. Its VTOL capability allows for rapid and flexible deployments, even in areas where space is limited or weather conditions are unfavorable. This versatility greatly enhances the Philippine Navy’s ability to monitor vast maritime areas, detect potential threats, and respond swiftly when needed. Additionally, the compact design of the Flexrotor facilitates its storage and transport, enabling effective implementation in various operational configurations.
In parallel, the Philippine Navy has also launched a tender for “suicide drones” capable of VTOL flight, aiming to further strengthen its offensive capabilities while maintaining the option to reuse the drones in case of mission cancellation. The acquisition of the Flexrotor and the ongoing pursuit of advanced technologies demonstrate the Philippines’ commitment to modernizing its armed forces and ensuring maritime security in a strategic region. These initiatives not only bolster national defense but also pave the way for future innovations in the field of unmanned aerial systems.
The Flexrotor is Classified as a Group 2 STUAS, Equipped with VTOL Capabilities, Designed to Meet US Department of Defense Specifications
The Flexrotor is classified as a Group 2 small tactical unmanned aerial system (STUAS), equipped with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities, designed to meet the United States Department of Defense (DoD) specifications. Intended for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, it is usable in both military and civilian contexts. Its capabilities include the detection and real-time transmission of imagery related to unusual or threatening activities and explosive devices, making its use relevant not only for the armed forces but also for government, security, and law enforcement operations.
Moreover, the Flexrotor is useful in civilian sectors such as weather reconnaissance, geological surveys, environmental monitoring, fishery surveillance, and offshore patrol. It offers an optimal blend of small size, significant payload and range, economy, autonomy, and deployment flexibility, thereby meeting a wide range of operational needs.
A key feature of the Flexrotor is its stabilized Alticam imaging turret, capable of capturing HD imagery both day and night with its daylight and infrared cameras. This functionality allows for directing and zooming, facilitating the capture and real-time analysis of video imagery that can be shared across various platforms. Additionally, the Flexrotor supports a variety of payloads tailored to mission needs and can transmit real-time video over a range of 120 km. The system’s design allows for the operation of multiple units from a single control station, thereby enhancing its surveillance capabilities and enabling effective coordination during operations. Fully autonomous after takeoff and operating efficiently in GPS-denied environments, the Flexrotor is suitable for both military and civilian applications, including environmental monitoring and data collection.
In terms of technical performance, the Flexrotor offers over 30 hours of flight endurance, a communication range of 120 kilometers, and requires a small area (approximately 6m x 6m) for takeoff and landing thanks to its folding legs. The UAS operates autonomously after takeoff, reducing the need for pilot intervention. Its specifications include two puller rotors, a rotor diameter of 2.2 meters, and a maximum payload capacity of 7.7 kg, among other features. Designed to be payload-agnostic, the Flexrotor can accommodate various sensors and equipment, including advanced electro-optical and medium-wave infrared turrets, wide-area search capabilities, and communication relays. This ensures that the system can be adapted to specific mission requirements, such as advanced telescopic imaging for day and night, laser illumination and designation, and maritime wide-area search and identification.
During maritime surveillance operations conducted by the US Naval Forces Central Command’s Task Force 59 in the Strait of Hormuz, the Flexrotor demonstrated its capability for extended flight duration and payload carrying in challenging wind conditions. Remarkably, it can be assembled for flight in just 10 minutes by two operators, with an additional 15 minutes required to set up the base equipment.
