Falco aims for international sales.

The Falco UAV system, developed by Finmeccanica subsidiary Galileo Avionica, has successfully completed mission testing by an international launch customer, during which it fulfilled all the requirements specified in the contract, enabling it to demonstrate optimal operational functionality. The Falco system is composed of four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from the TUAV/MAE category, a Ground Control Station (GCS), a Ground Data Terminal (GDT) and Ground Support Equipment (GSE).

The Falco system was validated after successful trials lasting 15 months which were carried out in Africa, Europe and Asia under the most diverse climatic and operational conditions.

In particular, during the 18 flight tests carried out by the end user, the Falco system performed a surveillance mission with a maximum payload which lasted 9 hours and 15 minutes. This performance shows that, by using an auxiliary fuel tank, the maximum range for the system would therefore exceed the 14 hours previously anticipated. Results included:

* collecting and controlling data on a 200km redundant link between the Ground Control Station and the Falco air vehicle, through a jam-resistant transmission in real time;

* an operational ceiling up to 6,000 metres;

* autonomous navigation control s stem and automatic use, during flight, of different payloads;

* Automatic Take Off and Landing (ATOL) operability;

* night-time mission operability The final configuration delivered to the end user is ready to carry out operations, including under extreme weather conditions, thanks to the maturity level reached by the Falco system.