Cassidian Produces 1,000th Target Drone

Cassidian has produced its 1,000th target drone and earlier this week the DT 45 target drone was finalised for use by the German Navy.

Target UAVs are used to train air defence units and flight crews as well as to test guided missiles.

Since 2002, Cassidian has been constructing target drones that can be equipped with a wide variety of sensors and transmitters. This includes, for example, infra-red and radar emitters for simulating threat scenarios, such as hostile aircraft or missile attacks.

Stefan Baten, head of target systems & services, said: “For over 10 years now, the units have been using our target drones for air defence training for all armed forces on their respective weapon systems, and for practising the interaction between all participants.

 

“By providing armed forces with the ability to portray complex scenarios, we can offer them clear added value in terms of tactical combat.”

The German Armed Forces practice at the target ranges in Todendorf/Putlos on the Baltic Sea, in South Africa and in Crete and use all types of target drones. Armed forces from the Middle East, Canada, South Africa and Asia also use Cassidian’s target simulation.

Cassidian UK CEO Mo Stevens, ceo, Cassidian UK, said: "As the European number one provider of UAS solutions and services Cassidian will continue to pursue UAS business in the UK and globally and move forward with clear successes such as this programme and the recent first Sensor Test Flight of the Euro Hawk Unmanned Aircraft.”

Beyond producing the target drones, Cassidian also provides a comprehensive range of aerial target services around the world, ranging from devising tactical scenarios and supplying and firing the corresponding target drones, to providing a hit analysis. Cassidian’s service also includes providing  complete infrastructure for operating target simulation, for example at NATO’s NAMFI target range in Crete (since 1988).

[via]