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| Harfang | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicle |
| Manufacturer | EADS andIAI |
| Primary users | French Air Force (historical) |
| Number built | 4 |
| History | |
| Introduction date | June 2008 |
| First flight | 9 September 2006 at Istres-Le Tubé airbase 125 |
| Developed from | IAI Heron |
TheEADS Harfang,[1] formerly known asSystème intérimaire de drone MALE (SIDM, "Interim medium-altitude, long-endurance drone system") is anunmanned aerial vehicle used by theFrench Air Force, supplementing theRQ-5 Hunter.
The French Air Force purchased its first drones in 1995, with multipleRQ-5 Hunter units. TheIAI Heron was put on display at the 1999Paris Air Show and generated some interest; a project to field a derivative was started two years later. On 9 September 2006, a prototype was launched for trials fromIstres-Le Tubé Air Base. Trials by theCentre d'essais en vol followed, before transfer of the plane toMont-de-Marsan Air Base
The drone was originally planned to be delivered to the Air Force for the summer of 2003 as a replacement for the Hunters, which were phased out in September 2004. A number of industrial setbacks delayed the delivery, notably that the satellite communication system did not conform with Air Force requirements. The drones were modified to satisfy the requirements, changing them from an "off-the-shelf" product into a custom plane built specially for the French Air Force. The plane and onboard computer are built by Malat, a division ofIsrael Aerospace Industries, based on theIAI Heron.
The French Air Force ordered three planes and two ground control stations. The SIDM entered service in June 2008 in the Drone Experimentation Squadron 1/330 Adour, in Cognac, a unit of theCentre des expérimentations militaires. A four-phase programme took place between 2008 and 2009:
The Harfang is composed of two main components: the drone and the ground control station.
The Harfang drone is an unmanned airplane propelled by a rear-mounted turbo-supercharged water-cooled flat-four engine, driving a pusher propeller. It features a flapped high wing with anti-icing system, and has atwin boom tail with two vertical surfaces. With a take-off mass of 1,200 kilograms (2,600 lb), the Harfang can carry a 250-kilogram (550 lb) payload to height of 7,500 metres (24,600 ft) for a duration of 24 hours.
The mission pack is a three-sensor sphere stabilised by gyroscope, mounted under the forward part of the fuselage. It contains optronic and IR sensors, a laser designator that doubles as a rangefinder, and a high-resolution, fixed echo suppressingsynthetic aperture radar. The radar can be used to observe vehicle movement on the ground under any meteorological condition. The antenna is mounted on the centre of the body.
The Harfang carries anInertial measurement unit with GPS recalibration, and a differential GPS that provides for automatic take-off and landing capabilities. In case of loss of communications, the drone follows a path that brings it back to its start point, while trying to re-establish contact.
The drone carries an IFF transponder and a flight recorder.The Harfang lacks electromagnetic sensors and is wanting in terms of maneuverability. It is limited by bad weather, notably by icing or high humidity conditions.
The control station is composed of four modules, numbered M1 through M4:
Aline-of-sight link allows for direct communication up to 150 to 200 kilometres away. Longer ranges utilise a directional antenna and geostationary satellites. TheVery High Frequency andUltra high frequency communication relay provides for links to ground units and air traffic control.
In 2007, the Harfang was deployed in Lourdes to provide security forPope Benedict XVI.[2]
In February 2009, the three Harfangs were sent toAfghanistan and deployed atBagram Airfield, under Lieutenant-colonel Cyril Carcy.[3] In late March or early April, drone numberF-SDAY was damaged when it crashed due to freezing, and possibly to human or software error. Purchase of a fourth vehicle to replaceF-SDAY is under consideration, while it is being repaired and redeployed in France for training.
In August 2011, Harfangs were deployed in theLibyan conflict.[4]
France intends to replace the Harfang by 2014 withMQ-9 Reaper UAVs ordered in 2013.[5]
On 5–6 June 2013, Harfang UAVs carried out their hundredth sortie duringOperation Serval inMali. Deployed since 17 January, Harfangs flew 1,600 hours during the day and night.[6] From January 2013 to September 2013, the Harfang flew 2,000 hours in support of French operations.[7]
As of 2016, Harfang drones were being used for homeland security missions in mainland France.[8]
In early 2018, the French Air Force retired all of its Harfangs.[9] In 2020, the three UAVs were delivered to Morocco, which had bought them in 2014 for $48 million.[10]
Data from[citation needed]
General characteristics
Performance
Avionics
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