Airbus launches SIRTAP final assembly line
November 19, 2024
Airbus has launched a Final Assembly Line for the two prototypes of the SIRTAP (Sistema RPAS Táctico de Altas Prestaciones or High Performance Tactical RPAS System) UAV at Getafe, near Madrid. Completion of the first prototype is scheduled for the spring of 2025, after which a ground test campaign will begin. The flight test campaign will follow after that, beginning before the end of 2025.
The SIRTAP is a next-generation tactical UAS that has been designed to meet the requirements of the Spanish Armed Forces, who hope to reinforce their tactical UAS capabilities. The Spanish Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Airbus for the development and acquisition of the SIRTAP UAS on 29 November 2023.
The European UAS market remains largely dominated by non-European players, particularly General Atomics with its MQ-9 Reaper and Israel’s Elbit Systems, though European programmes are underway, including the Eurodrone, which is being developed jointly by Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo, in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
With the SIRTAP, Airbus aims to provide Spain with enhanced national sovereignty in the technological, industrial and tactical aspects of UASs, while also further strengthening European autonomy in this vital strategic sector. It promises to allow the Spanish Armed Forces to modernise their military capabilities while supporting Spain’s domestic defence industry.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space observed that: “This new technological milestone in the tactical UAS segment together with the Spanish Ministry of Defence, will reinforce national sovereignty. SIRTAP will be fully developed in Spain, integrating national capabilities. However, thanks to its versatility and the use of ITAR-free components, we also expect it to play a key role on the international market.”
The Spanish Armed Forces will receive a total of nine systems, each consisting of three unmanned aerial vehicles and a ground control station. Two simulators will also be supplied for training. Some of the systems are expected to go to the Spanish Air and Space Force, and others to the Army.
The SIRTAP is a modular design optimised for quick disassembly, enabling easy transport in tactical transport aircraft like the C295, and rapid deployment in the field. The aircraft will have a payload capacity exceeding 180 kg, and will be able to integrate a range of sensors, including electro-optical/infrared systems (EO/IR/LD), SAR/GMTI radar, and electronic warfare equipment (for EW, ELINT, COMINT). It is also equipped with maritime detectors and target designation systems. With an endurance of more than 20 hours and an altitude of more than 20,000 feet, the aircraft promises to be versatile and adaptable to a diverse range of missions.
SIRTAP is designed to fly in the harshest environmental and operational conditions, and will be certified by the Spanish Military Airworthiness Authorities to fly in segregated airspace. The aircraft will be able to operate in all weather conditions, thanks to an ice protection and an extreme temperature management system, enabling it to operate at temperatures between -40⁰C and +50⁰C.
In the all-weather surveillance role, the aircraft will be able to carry ‘dual payloads’ simultaneously integrating two payloads, such as an electro-optical turret and a multi-mission radar, providing advanced ISR capabilities for day/night and maritime reconnaissance missions, providing a rapid response for close target inspection. The aircraft will be able to carry light PGMs and missiles on four underwing stations, allowing it to undertake armed ISR, convoy escort, area surveillance, and force protection missions.
The aircraft’s roles will also include maritime surveillance, border surveillance for migration and security control, anti-piracy, drug interdiction and EEZ/fishery protection.
The SIRTAP programme is a flagship project that underlines Spain’s strategic ambition to bolster its technological and industrial sovereignty in defence and to become a key player in the field of UASs while solidifying its position within the European defence industry.
In the future, the SIRTAP tactical UAS will be able to operate jointly with other platforms while being integrated into the same broad system of systems. The development of SIRTAP will thereby provide Spanish industry vital experience and key competences in the field of Remote Carriers for the Franco-German-Spanish FCAS fighter and its supporting system of systems.
