Armed forces in much of the world are developing small, uncrewed aerial assets to assist larger aircraft in military operation ­– including combat situations. European aviation giant Airbus is similarly working on what it calls Remote Carrier drones, and this month successfully tested them in two different scenarios.

The trials involved Airbus’ Remote Carriers, which are fixed wing, jet-propelled drones that look like mini fighters, and are intended to accompany and assist piloted aircraft in action. The UAVs are typically controlled remotely – in some cases from planes they are assisting – but can function with nearly full autonomy in particular circumstances. 

Read: Airbus trials cargo drone designed to carry 250 kg over 300 km 

Their development is a critical part of Airbus’ Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which is adapting to the shifting realities and practices in conflict – the current war in Ukraine providing examples of that…

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Source: dronedj.com