Product Differentiation Innovation Award for pioneering FALCO System

Citation

(2007), "Product Differentiation Innovation Award for pioneering FALCO System", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 79 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2007.12779baf.004

Product Differentiation Innovation Award for pioneering FALCO System

Product Differentiation Innovation Award for pioneering FALCO System

The recent Frost & Sullivan Product Differentiation Innovation Award in the European unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market was presented to Galileo Avionica S.p.A. (part of the Finnmecanica Group) in recognition of its impressive FALCO high-end tactical UAV (TUAV) system that offers next- generation UAV technology ready for immediate use.

“Identifying and subsequently filling the gap between legacy, low-endurance TUAV systems and sophisticated but expensive, medium altitude long- endurance (MALE) systems, FALCO was conceived as a system that was affordable enough to compete with TUAV systems, but could offer some aspects of MALE UAV capability, namely persistence and multi-mission payload flexibility” notes Frost & Sullivan Aerospace and Defence Research Manager, Christopher Cradock. “The system was also built with a view to capitalise on the long- term growth opportunities represented by the civil and commercial UAV market”.

Adopting a turnkey approach to sensor deployment, the FALCO system has a multi-payload capability that enables the user to deploy different sensors together or easily change sensors for different missions. Moreover, Galileo Avionica S.p.A. offers three different sensor packages of its own – an EO/IR system, a maritime surveillance radar (SAR) and a hyperspectural payload – on the FALCO.

“As an integral part of the system's design, two wing hardpoints increase flexibility in terms of payloads and delivery systems” adds Mr Cradock. “The FALCO's payload capacity is very high compared to its peers in the TUAV segment of the market, at 70kg internally and a further 60kg available on the hardpoints”.

With an endurance of 14h, the FALCO system is close to the top of its class in the TUAV market segment. Such persistence is a vital component of a UAV system since it allows users to track targets over time and stay “on station” for the maximum amount of time.

“Unlike many MALE aircraft, however, the FALCO's STOL capability means it has a much smaller deployment 'footprint' and has the flexibility to be launched off roads, semi prepared airstrips and pneumatic catapult as well as prepared airstrips” comments Mr Cradock. “Furthermore, the system can operate at a ceiling of nearly 20,000ft”.

FALCO has been developed with the long-term goal of being present in the civil and commercial markets as well. In addition to the flexibility inherent in the system's design, Galileo Avionica S.p.A. has also made efforts to ensure that it will be well positioned to be a certifiable aircraft in civil aerospace, once regulations are in place.

“Marking the first step towards obtaining full civil certification and moving into the civil UAV market, FALCO has obtained a 'Permit to Fly' from ENAC, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, acting on behalf of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)” explains Mr Cradock. “The two certified FALCO models will have a civil identification number and are the very first UAVs to receive the same flying authorisation as manned aircraft.”

Frost & Sullivan's Product Differentiation Innovation Award is bestowed on a company that has best demonstrated the ability to develop and/or advance products with more innovative capabilities than competing vendors and products. Such innovation is expected to significantly contribute to the industry in terms of product performance and degree/rate of technical change.