Overview
The Thales Fulmar X is billed as a mini UAV product and currently serves in the commercial maritime surveillance role for both Spain and Malaysia.
The Thales Fulmar X is billed as a mini UAV product and currently serves in the commercial maritime surveillance role for both Spain and Malaysia.
History
Detailing the development and operational history of the Thales Fulmar X Mini-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Entry last updated on 7/28/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Thales Fulmar X Mini-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Entry last updated on 7/28/2017. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
The Thales "Fulmar X" is an miniature Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) powered through conventional means and is produced in Spain. it names both Spain and Malaysia as its two primary operators globally (2017). The system sports a flat body with blended swept back wing mainplanes. The tail unit consists of a pair of inward-cranked vertical fins. Construction involves use of carbon fiber composites. The product is designed for general surveillance / reconnaissance work and has been active in the fisheries industry to date. The Malaysian Coast Guard has begun receiving the type for security service aboard new-build patrol craft.
The Fulmar X product was launched at Farnborough 2016.
At just 42lb, the Fulmar X is categorized as a mini-UAV. One of its strongest qualities, beyond inherent portability, is its ability to fly up to ranges of 50 miles without requiring refueling (mission endurance is about 8 hours). Additionally, due to its over-water work, the airframe is designed to float for up to 24 hours pending retrieval. Its mission equipment includes an electro-optical and Infra-Red (IR) sensor with detection and tracking built in. The UAV is launched via catapult and retrieved by way of an erected net (recovery is through autonomous function). This allows the system to be launched and retrieved from a moving vessel - making it ideal for maritime service work whether in the civilian or military realms.
The first Fulmar X was delivered to Malaysia in late-2016. These will be used across some six Coast Guard patrol boats currently undergoing construction and entering sea trials. As many as seven Fulmar Xs may be procured.
The Fulmar X product was launched at Farnborough 2016.
At just 42lb, the Fulmar X is categorized as a mini-UAV. One of its strongest qualities, beyond inherent portability, is its ability to fly up to ranges of 50 miles without requiring refueling (mission endurance is about 8 hours). Additionally, due to its over-water work, the airframe is designed to float for up to 24 hours pending retrieval. Its mission equipment includes an electro-optical and Infra-Red (IR) sensor with detection and tracking built in. The UAV is launched via catapult and retrieved by way of an erected net (recovery is through autonomous function). This allows the system to be launched and retrieved from a moving vessel - making it ideal for maritime service work whether in the civilian or military realms.
The first Fulmar X was delivered to Malaysia in late-2016. These will be used across some six Coast Guard patrol boats currently undergoing construction and entering sea trials. As many as seven Fulmar Xs may be procured.
Specifications
YEAR: 2016
MANUFACTURER(S): Thales - Spain
PRODUCTION: 16
CREW: 0
WIDTH: 32.32 ft (9.85 m)
EMPTY WEIGHT: 22 lb (10 kg)
MTOW: 44 lb (20 kg)
POWER: 1 x Motor.
RANGE: 50 miles (80 km; 43 nm)
OPERATORS: Malaysia; Spain
Armament
None. Mission equipment consists of sensors and cameras for the over-water surveillance role.
None. Mission equipment consists of sensors and cameras for the over-water surveillance role.
Variants / Models
• Fulmar X - Base Series Designation
• Fulmar X - Base Series Designation
Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
LDN
LDN
PAR
PAR
BER
BER
MSK
MSK
TKY
TKY
SYD
SYD
LAX
LAX
NYC
Graph showcases the Thales Fulmar X's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production (16)
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
16
16
