On Friday, Nov. 8, Airbus Helicopters’ VSR700 UAS prototype performed its first flight at a drone test center near Aix-en-Provence in the south of France.

The UAS performed several take-offs and landings, with its longest flight lasting approximately 10 minutes.

The VSR700 UAS was tethered with 30-meter cables to fully secure the flight test zone, so that it was in compliance with airworthiness authority that provided the flight clearance. Going forward, the flight test program will move towards free flight, with plans to progressively open the flight envelope.

“The VSR700 is a fully-fledged unmanned aerial system, capitalizing on Airbus Helicopters’ extensive experience of advanced autopilot systems and engineering expertise to provide modern militaries with new capabilities,” says Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO.

“This first flight of the VSR700 prototype is a major milestone for the program as we make progress on the operational demonstrator for the French Navy that will perform trials in 2021 in partnership with Naval Group.”

Derived from Hélicoptères Guimbal’s Cabri G2, the VSR700 UAS is in the 500 to 1000-kilogram maximum take-off weight range. Capable of carrying multiple full size naval sensors for extended periods, the UAS can operate in existing ships, alongside a helicopter, with a low logistical footprint.

Airbus Helicopter notes that the VSR700 prototype that performed its maiden flight is a “step change” from the optionally piloted demonstrator that initially flew in 2017, and was based on a modified Cabri G2 equipped for autonomous flight.

In comparison to the demonstrator, the VSR700 prototype is equipped with a specialized set of avionics and an advanced flight control system, as well as a payload bay in place of the pilot station designed to manage mission equipment. To improve flight performance, the prototype also has a “sleeker, more aerodynamic” shape.