Sagem Sperwer UAV
From Scramble - The Aviation Magazine
| Sagem Sperwer UAV | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Surveillance UAV | |
| Crew | None (UAV) | |
| First Flight | yourfirst | |
| Entered Service | 1998 (?) | |
| Number built | Still in production | |
| Manufacturer | Sagem | |
| yourmodel | ||
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3.52 m | 11 ft 7 in |
| Wingspan | 4.20 m | 13 ft 9 in |
| Height | 1.30 m | 4 ft 3 in |
| Wing area | 6.06 m² | 65.2 ft² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | kg | lb |
| Loaded | 300 kg | 661.3 lb |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 330 kg | 727.5 lb |
| Maximum fuel load | 80 l | 21.1 gal |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engine | one 2 cylinder, 2 stroke engine | |
| Power | 48.5 kW | 65 hp |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h | 112 mph |
| Operational range | 90 km | 56 miles |
| Service ceiling | 3000 m | 9800 ft |
| Rate of climb | m/min | ft/min |
| Sensor fit | ||
| Sensors | 1 Gyro stabilized day light camera 1 Gyro stabilized infra red camera | |
Contents |
History
The Sperwer is a Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) – also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) – used for gathering intelligence from the air and acquiring and tracking targets. Sensors in the craft send real time video images to a ground control station. The information the Sperwer gathers is presented simple and recognisable to its operators, which makes it very usable tool, which can used in different kinds of operations.
After launch from a specially fitted truck, the Sperwer is able to fly along a predefined, pre-programmed flightplan. When needed, the navigator in the ground control station can intervene and pilot the RPV to investigate places of interest when the need arises. If the datalink is severed during the mission, the Sperwer will default to its pre-programmed route and return to base independently. The craft will land suspended from a parachute after the mission is completed.
The Sperwer system consists of four different groups:
The Command Group, flying and operating the Sperwer
The Assembly & Transport Group, supplying logistic support, maintenance and transport
The Ground Control Station Group, controlling the technical aspects of the mission
The Launcher Group, taking care of the launch
Versions
Sperwer UAV
As described
Sperwer-B UAV
Updated version, with added canards for flight control, increased range and speed and modernised sensor fit, including SHF Satellite communications equipment.
Operators
The Sperwer is in use with the armed forces of Canada, Denmark, France, Greece, The Netherlands and Sweden.
