EADS Harfang

The EADS Harfang is an unmanned aerial vehicle developed for service in the French Air Force.[1]

Harfang UAV of the Armée de l'Air.

Development

The project was inspired by the IAI Heron, an Israeli drone aircraft shown at the 1999 Paris Air Show. It was built by EADS, the European Aeronautics and Space company now part of Airbus.

Name

Its name comes from Harfang des neiges, the French name for the snowy owl, a raptor (bird of prey).

Specifications

The Harfang is a twin-boom aircraft, propelled by a rear-mounted engine. Avionics include GPS. It has no weapon on board.

Service

Users
 France

Use

In May 2011, it was used for observation of the G8 meeting in Deauville.[3] In January 2013, France used this plane for reconnaissance against Islamist terrorists who occupy the north of Mali.[4]

References
  1. "EADS Harfang" (in French). Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  2. "Harfang : un atout indéniable pour l'armée de l'air" (in French). Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  3. "Un drone Harfang surveillera le prochain sommet du G8 de Deauville" (in French). 28 April 2011. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  4. "La France engage ses avions au Mali" (in French). Retrieved 14 June 2013.
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