Sagem Défense Sécurité, from the new Safran group, is launching an armed version of the Sperwer unmanned aerial vehicle here at the show. The new B version will use many of the original Sperwer platform systems and could incorporate the existing Sperwer platform and logistics. The main difference is the use of a larger and strengthened wing, which enables increased payload carriage, extended range and longer endurance. The system can accommodate flexible mission configurations, including hunter-killer armed configurations carrying a mix of sensors and weapons. To pursue such opportunities Sagem integrated the Rafael Spike LR missile using “fire and forget” or “fire and update” firing modes. The Spike LR has a range of over two miles when launched from a ground launcher. The missile can be fired from low altitude to minimize launch signature, or from cruising altitude to maximize range. As part of the UAV integration, a lightweight pylon was designed by Rafaut. Future armament for this UAV could also include a new autonomous guided munition, developed by GIAT Industries and based on the Franco-Swedish BONUS submunition.
