MBLE Épervier
| MBLE Épervier | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Type: | Unmanned aerial vehicle for battlefield surveillance |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
1972 |
| Commissioning: |
1976 |
| Number of pieces: |
30th |
The MBLE Épervier ( Sperber ) is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for battlefield reconnaissance and monitoring the Belgian manufacturer Manufacture Belge de Lampe et de matériel Electronique from the 1970s. The system was offered to non-NATO countries with identical equipment but different codes and radio frequencies under the name "Asmodeé".
history
The concept for the construction of the Belgian drone of the type Delta Epervier was developed according to the specifications of a NATO tender. On July 11, 1969, the Belgian government decided to provide financial support for the project. It was realized by the company MBLE. In 1972 and 1973 the system underwent an official military evaluation, and in 1976 it was declared operational. 30 pieces were procured at a unit price of 27 million Belgian francs, which corresponds to a current price of 670,000 euros. The drone is equipped with a Lucas CT 3201 jet engine.
construction
The device has a delta wing made of aluminum, which is manufactured by Sonaca (Gosselies) as a subcontractor. The launch takes place via Jet Assisted Take-off ( JATO ), i.e. with a starter rocket of 1200 kg within 0.7 seconds. A parachute of 60 m² is located in the nose of the aircraft for landing, with a " circular error probable " of 150 m guaranteed.
The camera equipment consists of “Omera” 70 mm day or night cameras. Ten “flares” are used for lighting for night shots. A "SAT Cyclope" infrared scanning equipment is also possible.
In addition to the UAV with its sensors, the overall system includes a mobile starter device and a control center (Drone Control Center) that takes over control and course tracking. There is also a mobile unit for developing and interpreting the photos taken.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| length | 2.38 m |
| span | 1.72 m |
| height | 0.92 m |
| payload | about 20 kg |
| fuel | 26 kg |
| Max. Takeoff mass | 142 kg |
| Marching speed | 500 km / h |
| Use radius | 92.5 km |
| Engines | a Lucas CT 3201 turbojet engine with 0.49 kN thrust. JATO bottles for Startboost. |
See also
literature
- * John WR Taylor (Ed.): Jane's All The World's Aircraft - 1978-79 , McDonald and Jane's Publishers, London, 1978, p. 610