, ROME: The Galileo Avionica (Finmeccanica) FALCO System has successfully completed an intense program of mission testing by an international launch customer, during which it fulfilled all the requirements specified in the contract, enabling it to demonstrate optimal operational functionality. The FALCO System is composed of four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) from the TUAV/MAE category, a Ground Control Station (GCS), a Ground Data Terminal (GDT) and Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
The FALCO System was validated after very successful trials lasting 15 months which were carried out in three different continents (Africa, Europe, Asia), under the most diverse climatic and operational conditions.
In particular, during the 18 flight tests made by the End User, the FALCO System carried out a surveillance mission with a maximum payload which lasted 9 hours and 15 minutes. This performance shows that, by using an auxiliary fuel tank, the maximum range for the System would therefore exceed the 14 hours previously anticipated.
All the main functional requirements for Surveillance missions have been fully demonstrated. Of great importance are the results obtained which included:
– Collecting and controlling data on a 200 Km redundant link between the Ground Control Station and the FALCO air vehicle, through a jam-resistant transmission in real time
– An operational ceiling of a maximum of 6000 meters
– Autonomous navigation control system and automatic use, during flight, of different payloads
– Automatic Take Off and Landing (ATOL) operability
– Night-time missions operability
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The final configuration delivered to the End User is ready to carry out operations, including under extreme weather conditions, thanks to the maturity level reached by the FALCO System. The System also integrates an important range of payloads, making it an invaluable asset to respond to the country’s main requirements for a variety of missions.
As a result, FALCO has established itself in a key position in the UAV tactical market for both civil and military Surveillance and Homeland Security, with its performance demonstrating it to be superior to other UAV platforms present on the market.
In 2005, the FALCO System was the first UAV in Europe to be awarded a “Permit to Fly” and Galileo Avionica is in the process of obtaining certification/ homologation for the FALCO from military and civil authorities.
