The program «nEUROn» - Development of appropriate technologies to create a shock-reconnaissance UAV that can operate freely over the territory of the enemy, if necessary, identified hitting enemy targets, both independently and through the remote control. In 2004, the French company "Dassault Aviation" Evrokontsernom contract with the creation of an unmanned vehicle on the program. Dassault Aviation said that the experimental model for the test cycle is called «nEUROn».
UAV «nEUROn» by several fitted with navigation systems - inertial and satellite. Advanced technology "Stealth" help drones to fly silently over enemy territory to carry out various tasks. In addition, «nEUROn» provided a channel for data transmission, carbon fiber hull design and a special compartment to carry weapons. UAV for the automatic detection and recognition of the detected objects, which gives «nEUROn» accurately identify ground and air targets. The first sample UAV «nEUROn» at the request of French designers is ready to start a series of flight tests. Upon completion of the test Evrokontsern fully determined by the appointment of drone - or it will be a reconnaissance UAV, or unmanned aircraft strike or dual-UAV. If you need to attack the ability of UAVs, their implementation will be delayed for 3 years. In a program to create UAV has already spent more than 300 million euros. In total, the program involved six European countries - Spain, Italy, Switzerland, France, Sweden, Greece. Total contract prototype and series of tests will cost Evrokontsernu in more than 400 million euros. Plan to make about a hundred different missions, the experimental model, some of which, with the test aircraft minibomb guided by laser.
In mid-2005 the French company "Dassault Aviation" signed a contract with an international group of «Thales» to create a host of high-frequency data for the generated drone «nEUROn». High-frequency components will be included in a transmission system for communication between the unmanned vehicle and control station on earth. For communication protocol will use the NATO-standard «STANAG 7085." In addition, communication will ensure that the transmitter at a low frequency. At high frequencies, the UAV will transmit intelligence, such as photographed images, video and data of the radar. At low frequencies used in data transmission technology will ensure the integrity of the transferred material.
The French aerospace company «Dassault Aviation», being the main developer of the program to create a shock-reconnaissance UAV that can operate freely over the territory of the enemy, if necessary, identified hitting enemy targets, both independently and through remote control, is fully responsible for the design work . Namely, in terms of performance, the project UAV system architecture and management, final assembly and a series of tests. In «Dassault Aviation» already has experience in building unmanned vehicles, in 1999, she began to develop a UAV program «Aeronef Validation Experimental». For the fuselage, avionics and electronic filling, fuel supply system and the payload meets Swedish company «Saab Aerosystems». For propulsion, the creation of some sections of the hull, and the test equipment complies with the Greek company «Hellenic Aerospace Industry», which in 2004, "Dassault Aviation" signed a memorandum on the program «Dassault UCAV», that in consequence of the program has developed into a «nEUROn» . Spanish aircraft manufacturers are responsible for the development of wings, ground control station and ground type data transmitter. With the Spaniards, the French aircraft manufacturers signed an agreement in 2005. Swiss «RUAG» is responsible for the weapons used and the tests in a wind tunnel. The Italian aircraft manufacturers are developing a system of power, weapons bay, and a system for removal of the test data of test flights. In addition to six European countries to apply for participation in the program, Turkey.
The design and device «nEUROn»
At first glance, looks like a prototype of the UAV program «AVE-C". As «AVE-C», drone «nEUROn» is made without a tail fin and created in the W-shaped design of the wing. In the high-tech drones carried avionics and technology "Stealth". The tests must show the possibility of UAVs in a variety of conditions and the possibility of using in combat. The length of the prototype 9.5 m, range w-shaped wings of 12.5 meters, its weight - 4.5 tonnes at full load - 6 tons. The chassis has a standard three-wheeled drone performance. UAVs will be able to raise the 2nd-guided bombs on the laser, each weighing 250 pounds. Placed a bomb in the bomb bays will be. Expected time spent in the air at least 2 hours. The flight speed of up to 1200 km / h Control is possible with the UAV control stations on the ground control stations located in the aircraft and autonomous control. UAV Propulsion «nEUROn» - two of RD «Adour Mk 951." These engines have provided about 100 different aircraft. The technology used to create a UAV «nEUROn», will be applied in the future, the modernization of the fighter «Gripen», after which he will remain in service until at least 2035.