Military drones: Airbus turns Do-DT25 target drone into LOAD air defence system

Airbus has presented a new unmanned air defence system called LOAD in Bonn, at “Unbemannte Systeme X”, an event of the Studiengesellschaft der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Wehrtechnik. The name is short for “LOw-cost Air Defence”. This development from the field of military drones is based on a modified Airbus Do-DT25.

The Do-DT25 is normally used to present a target to air defence systems. In future, it is to be integrated into such a system as a component.

From training target to hunter: what the military drone platform can do

Since its qualification for aerial target presentation in 2003, the drone has been a “willing victim” for the air defence missiles fired at it. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is launched by pneumatic catapult and carries a payload of up to 26 kilograms. The payload usually comprises jammers, towed decoys or countermeasure dispensers – devices against which air defence systems must show that they can overcome jamming attempts.

The drone reaches more than 500 km/h and has a range of over 100 kilometres. It is controlled from a ground control station. After appropriate authorisation, LOAD is to detect, identify and neutralise threats independently – that is, autonomously – using radar data or aerial imagery.

Up to three missiles can be fitted to LOAD to engage targets. The UAV then flies back to base and lands by parachute. Preparing it for the next mission is established routine and is carried out regularly during air defence firing exercises.