EADS Barracuda
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Barracuda is the project name[1] for a European unmanned aerial vehicle currently under development by EADS, intended for the role of reconnaissance. The aircraft is a joint venture between Germany and Spain. It crashed during a test flight in the water just out of the Spanish coast on September 23, 2006.
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[edit] Development
The Barracuda originated as a UAV design study, intended to push EADS into the market for medium-altitude long-range UAVs, a market they view as dominated by the United States and Israel.[2] Its official debut was at the 2006 International Aerospace Exhibition, where military applications and specifications for the Barracuda were revealed. EADS' current focus is to get the Barracuda certified for unregulated flight in Germany's designated airspace, while the long-term goal is to have it certified for non-segregated airspace.[3]
They also plan to develop the Barracuda as a modular platform, so that it can be refitted for various roles like maritime patrol.[4] Offensive capabilities are not planned, but it may be refitted to carry weapons if customers express interest for it.
Germany is also discussing a partnership with Sweden and Italy for a multinational unmanned aerial vehicle effort in order to compete with the French-led Dassault nEUROn programme.[5] Sweden is already a participant in the French-led effort.[6]
[edit] Design
The Barracuda is based on commercially available 'off the shelf' components, but also many refined systems. Its fuselage is constructed entirely from carbon fibre - the only significant metal component is the wing spar, running through the middle and reinforcing the wings. The wing spar allows for easy removal of the wings for transportation.
EADS is currently studying a two-engine variant of the UAV which would weigh about the same as the nEUROn. This two-engine variant could have its first flight in 2008.
[edit] Specifications
General characteristics
- Crew: 0
- Length: 27 ft 0 in (8.25 m)
- Wingspan: 23.7 ft in (7.22 m)
- Height: ft in (m)
- Wing area: ft (m)
- Empty weight: lb (2300 kg)
- Loaded weight: lb (kg)
- Useful load: lb (kg)
- Max takeoff weight: lb (3250 kg)
Performance
- Never exceed speed: mph (km/h)
- Maximum speed: 0.85 mach (km/h)
- Cruise speed: mph (km/h)
- Stall speed: mph (km/h)
- Range: mi (km)
- Service ceiling: ft (m)
- Rate of climb: ft/min (m/s)
- Wing loading: lb/ft² (kg/m²)
[edit] External links
- Air-Attack.com's page on the Barracuda
- http://www.eads.net/ EADS Website with pictures of the "Advanced UAV Demonstrator Barracuda" at ILA 2006
[edit] References
- ^ UAV demonstrator opens up new technology perspectives for EADS
- ^ Barracuda
- ^ One step beyond
- ^ High-speed Barracuda could spawn modular UAV family - ILA show report
- ^ Germany, Italy and Sweden hold project talks on 'Agile' advanced UAV in bid to beat French-led Neuron
- ^ Important player in Neuron
[edit] Related content
Comparable aircraft
See also
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