Thales launches Fulmar X, a flexible new approach to Unmanned Air Systems

At Farnborough 2016, Thales is launching Fulmar X, a new concept that uses a small, flexible Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) to meet the needs of both military and civil customers in order to suite a wide range of surveillance missions (border surveillance, natural disasters, illegal traffic monitoring…). Fulmar X is a highly reliable solution that delivers exceptional endurance and high-quality aerial intelligence using a small, flexible air platform with low running costs.

The Fulmar X system’s capabilities are unique, with an endurance over 8 hours and an operating range more than 80 km. Built entirely from carbon fibre composite, the UAV has a 3 m wingspan. It is launched using a catapult and recovered automatically with a net, which can be operated in very confined areas such as a ship or vehicle. The recovery system is available in a number of configurations for quick, easy deployment from a fixed location with no dedicated infrastructure.

The Fulmar X system includes a simple user interface so that personnel can focus on the mission itself. It is highly reliable and easy to maintain, requiring only simple technical support.