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The first Sirtap UAS during assembly.
DUBAI—Airbus is gearing up to begin flight trials of its Sirtap tactical uncrewed air system while also looking to expand the customer set and capabilities the system can deliver.
“First flight is coming soon,” says Jean-Brice Dumont, head of Air Power at Airbus. The flight-test program should run through 2026, with customer deliveries starting in early 2027, he added during a Dubai Airshow presentation.
Sirtap is a Spanish-backed program to develop a system involving an air vehicle with an 800-kg (1,760-lb.) maximum takeoff weight and 200 kg payload capacity. The system is designed to have about 20 hr. of endurance and a 21,000-ft. ceiling, as well as be able to fly at 115 kt. The vehicle can be weaponized, carrying 65 kg on each inboard weapon station and a 25-kg payload on the outer station.
Spain has committed to buying the aircraft for its army and air force. Dumont says talks are underway to sell it for Spanish Navy use, as well.
Airbus also is eying mission expansion for the system, including for signals intelligence and other electronic warfare applications, he says.
Although the program has largely been driven by Spain, Airbus is looking to expand the customer base. It has signed an agreement with a Colombian partner to join the program should that government buy the system, and talks are underway for similar arrangements elsewhere, Dumont says.
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