Aerovel to be acquired by Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters is acquiring Aerovel and its Flexrotor unmanned aerial system (UAS) to strengthen its tactical UAS portfolio. With a maximum launch weight of 25kg, the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Flexrotor is designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions at sea and over land, including parapublic missions such as day or night forest fire surveillance and maritime ice navigation.

“This strategic acquisition aligns with our vision to expand our UAS offering and respond to a growing customer demand worldwide for additional mission capabilities,” says Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

“We look forward to leveraging our combined strengths to define the future of autonomous systems,” says Ali Dian, CEO of Aerovel.

Flexrotor, which requires only a 12ft x 12ft area for launch and recovery, can fly ISTAR missions for 12-to-14 hours carrying an electro-optical system and advanced sensors to suit customers’ mission needs.

Based in Bingen, Washington, Aerovel will remain a U.S.-owned company and continue collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) under Airbus’ Special Security Agreement (SSA).

The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approvals, with closing expected in 2024. https://aerovel.com; https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters