Joining the ranks of unmanned Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) air systems of the world is the Airbus Defence & Space Tanan 300. Similar in its design shape to the Saab Skeldar (detailed elsewhere on this site), the Tanan 300 is intended for deployment from surface vessels in the maritime surveillance role. In addition to this, Airbus is developing this aircraft for at-sea Search and Rescue (SAR), general reconnaissance, target acquisition, general intelligence gathering and humanitarian operations support. Airbus is also offering the Tanan 300 with customer-specific sensor equipment ranging from night imaging and electronic intelligence to over-water radar functionality and High Definition Electro-Optical / InfraRed (HDEO/IR) equipment to suit various missile roles.
As designed, the Tanan 300 features a span of 5 meters with a running length of 4.3 meters and height to main rotor mast of 1.2 meters. Its configuration mimics that of a conventional manned helicopter system in that it exhibits a multi-bladed main rotor atop a fuselage housing the required avionics, fuel stores and engine systems. A shaft hidden in the tail stem drives a multi-bladed tail rotor which is seated along the starboard side. The undercarriage is of the skid variety which makes operation simpler in-the-field and less expensive to produce the UAV unit. Optics are carried in a ventral blister with good views of the surrounding area and horizon. The Tanan 300 features an operational range out to 180 kilometers and can carry a payload up to 50 kilograms over an eight our endurance window (MTOW of 300 kilograms). Maximum speeds reach 150 kilometers per hour with a service ceiling currently noted at 4,000 meters. Cruising speeds are expected around 100 kmh. Operations of the Tanan 300 are expected to take place around 3,000 meters and below.
As of June 2014, the Tanan 300 remains in development under the Cassidian brand label, Cassidian, Astrium and Airbus Military having joined to become Airbus Defence and Space ("Airbus DS").
Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.
Specifications
Airbus Defence and Space / Cassidian - France Manufacturer(s)
The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content; site is 100% curated by humans.
