Falco Xplorer
Product descripton: Falco Xplorer by Leonardo S.p.A.
FALCO Xplorer Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) is the new Leonardo solution for persistent multisensor strategic surveillance.
FALCO Xplorer is a new, state-of-the-art system, able to provide Customers with persistent actionable Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).
A broad multispectral sensor suite can be installed thanks to its payload capability. The suite is natively composed by:
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Multifunction Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
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Electro-optical multisensor gyrostabilized turret
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Signal Intelligence Suite
Customers benefit from unparalleled, customizable situational awareness.
Powered by a conventional aviation engine and with endurance over 24 hours, the FALCO Xplorer gathers information far over the horizon, relayed in real time via secure satellite connection to C4I centers.
Technical specifications
System Configuration
Typical system configuration includes:
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Ground Control Station (GCS) connected to a Ground Data Terminal (GDT)
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Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
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Two Aircraft
The system is designed in accordance with NATO STANAG 4671 and is undergoing military type certification.
Relocation of the FALCO Xplorer system is streamlined, with the entire system transportable via ISO-668 containers within hours.
Operational Roles
Legacy from the proven FALCO EVO and other major RPAS programs, the FALCO Xplorer system is aimed at dual-use requirements, providing 24/7, all-weather persistent regional surveillance.
It covers a wide range of missions, complementing typical military roles (theatre persistent multispectral surveillance) with governmental missions such as:
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Border patrolling
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Coastal watch
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Illegal immigration prevention
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Law enforcement
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Critical infrastructure surveillance
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EEZ surveillance
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Environmental monitoring
Key Features
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Maritime and Overland long-range ISR missions
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Operates for over 24 hours, up to 30,000 ft
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Low Overall Life Cycle Costs
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Undergoing Military Type Certification according to STANAG 4671
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Payload capability at the top of its segment: 350 kg
The FALCO Xplorer presents superior performance together with a flexible configuration able to accommodate several sensors and payloads.
To relieve crew workload, the system features:
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Assisted and automatic flight management, including automatic take-off and landing
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Automatic area surveillance modes with real-time target data processing, dissemination, and exploitation
The system can be easily adapted to meet Customer needs and integrate specific payloads.
Seamless airport and airspace operations integration and reduced logistic footprint deliver higher-tier performance at lower LCC compared to similar class systems.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Length | 9 m |
| Wingspan | 18.5 m |
| Height | 3.8 m |
| Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) | 1,300 kg |
| PERFORMANCE (ISA Conditions) | |
| Endurance | > 24 hours |
| Maximum Payload | > 350 kg |
| Ceiling | > 30,000 ft |
| Link Range | RLOS & BLOS (SATCOM) |
| SENSORS | |
| SAR Radar | Gabbiano T80UL: Multimode SAR Radar Mapping, Ground Moving Target Indication, SAR up to 20’’ |
| EO Turret | Visual/IR/Laser Rangefinder; Laser Marker and Laser Designator (LD) upon request |
| SIGINT | ELINT or COMINT suite |
| AIS | Automatic Identification System |