Leonardo Tests Falco EVO UAS Endurance and Range Upgrades

By Mike Ball / 27 Oct 2018

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Leonardo Falco EVO UAS

Leonardo has announced that it has completed a series of successful test flights of its Falco EVO Remotely-Piloted Air System (RPAS) in Bulgaria. The flight campaign was to validate a package of upgrades that extends the endurance and operational range of the unmanned aircraft platform for overland and maritime missions. This includes a Beyond-Line-Of-Sight (BLOS) satellite data-link system and a new propulsion system based on a heavy-fuel engine. As well as extending the flight envelope of the Falco EVO, the new engine was also proven to generate more electricity on-board the platform, granting access to more power-intensive ISR sensors required for complex missions.

Further trials are now planned that will see the Falco EVO flying equipped with Leonardo’s new Gabbiano TS Ultra-Light (UL) surveillance radar combined with a high-definition InfraRed (IR) electro-optical system, Automatic Identification System, and a comms relay suite.

The Falco EVO, the longest-endurance model from Leonardo’s Falco RPAS family, is a surveillance and intelligence-gathering platform suited to overland and maritime missions. It can fly for more than 20 hours while carrying a payload of up to 100 kg. The Falco EVO has already been delivered to its launch customer in the Middle East region, while the original Falco RPAS has been chosen by five customers. The Falco EVO is currently engaged in a selection process for a prestigious international client and will shortly be deployed in the Mediterranean for a European surveillance programme.

More than 50 Falco family RPAS are currently engaged on operations around the world. Some customers choose to own and operate Falco family platforms while others, such as the United Nations for its humanitarian MONUSCO mission, have selected Leonardo to deliver a managed service package. Under this kind of arrangement, Leonardo owns and operates the Falco and provides surveillance information directly to the customer. This ‘managed service’ model is expected to be a growth area for Leonardo which is expanding its ‘drones as a service’ offering, including to civilian customers such as police and emergency responders.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

French Navy Receives Mine Countermeasure USV in MMCM Program

Thales has delivered the first serial production maritime mine countermeasure drone system to the French Navy, equipped with autonomous capabilities to enhance naval security

Feb 19, 2025
World Defense Show: Unmanned Systems & Defense Integration

UST sits down with World Defense Show’s CEO, Andrew Pearcey at IDEX to learn how this premier global platform is integrating unmanned technologies into the upcoming WDS 2026, highlighting their evolutionary role in advancing defense capabilities

Feb 19, 2025
Advancing Manned-Unmanned Teaming with Autonomous UAV Swarms

UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía and Primoco UAV SE demonstrate advanced manned-unmanned teaming, showcasing autonomous UAV swarms, AI-driven mission management, and real-time coordination for defense and security operations

Feb 19, 2025
Inertial Labs Attends IDEX 2025

Inertial Labs will be showcasing its latest technologies at IDEX 2025 this week on Booth 14-A20, featuring its range of cutting-edge positioning, navigation, and orienting solutions

Feb 19, 2025
Red Cat Secures Financing to Accelerate Drone Production for U.S. DoD

Red Cat Holdings has secured up to $20 million in debt financing and is seeking $58 million from the Department of Defense to accelerate drone production and support national security initiatives

Feb 19, 2025
Creomagic Showcases Secure & Resilient Wireless Communication Solutions for UAV Operations

Creomagic is set to showcase its latest high-performance wireless communication solutions for UAVs and aerial systems, featuring secure, low-latency connectivity, advanced SDR technology, and AI-driven networking for mission-critical operations

Feb 19, 2025

Featured Content

Gremsy & Nokia to Showcase UAV Integration at XPONENTIAL Europe

At XPONENTIAL Europe 2025, Gremsy’s gimbal and payload technology will be paired with Nokia’s connectivity solutions, creating smarter, more efficient UAV systems

Feb 13, 2025
Military Vehicles to Feature Small Tethered UAS from Elistair

Elistair has secured a €3 million contract to equip military vehicles with tethered UAS, enhancing real-time intelligence and operational awareness

Feb 13, 2025
Ellipse Series Enhanced with Latest Firmware Upgrade

The new firmware update from SBG Systems integrates the latest World Magnetic Model (WMM) to improve navigation precision, even for first-generation Ellipse sensors

Feb 11, 2025