Airbus U030 Flexrotor

Full Specifications

Airbus U030 Flexrotor VTOL Tactical UAS

The Airbus U030 Flexrotor is a compact Group 2 tactical vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft system optimized for persistent intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) in demanding environments.

Originally developed by U.S. firm Aerovel Corporation in Bingen, Washington, and acquired by Airbus Helicopters in 2024, the Flexrotor combines rotorcraft vertical launch and recovery with efficient wing-borne cruise. It requires only a 3.7 m × 3.7 m (12 ft × 12 ft) area for autonomous operations from land or ship decks without dedicated flight decks, transitioning from stowed configuration to airborne in approximately 30 minutes.

With a maximum take-off weight of 25 kg (55 lb) and payload capacity of up to 8 kg (18 lb), the system supports modular electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, radar, and other mission-specific payloads. Typical endurance reaches 12–15 hours, enabling persistent coverage for maritime surveillance, border security, search and rescue, firefighting support, and electronic warfare or communications relay tasks. Dash speed is listed at 140 km/h (77 kt), with minimum cruise around 78 km/h (42 kt) and service ceiling exceeding 5,000 m (16,400 ft). Propulsion comes from a 28 cc two-stroke engine capable of gasoline or heavy fuel.

The platform has demonstrated operations in harsh, high-threat, and GPS-denied conditions, including U.S. Navy exercises (such as launches from USS Paul Hamilton), European Maritime Safety Agency Baltic Sea surveillance missions starting in 2026, and commercial applications like wildfire monitoring. It supports crewed-uncrewed teaming and real-time data streaming. Unit cost is not publicly disclosed.

Designed for minimal logistical footprint, the U030 Flexrotor fills a niche for expeditionary forces needing reliable, long-endurance ISR without large support infrastructure.