French company Exail and Spanish firm Grafinta are set to enhance Airbus’ SIRTAP tactical drone with their cutting-edge UmiX-40 Inertial Measurement Unit. This advanced technology is designed to deliver high-precision navigation and stabilization in a compact form, tailored for space-constrained applications like the SIRTAP.
The UmiX-40 utilizes proprietary fiber-optic gyroscopes and vibrating beam accelerometers, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging environments where global navigation satellite systems may not be available. The system boasts low noise levels, minimal latency, high bandwidth, and exceptional 3D rotation measurement accuracy. Its plug-and-play design, combined with Exail’s innovative technology, enables the SIRTAP drone to conduct extended intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions while maintaining precise navigation from launch to landing, even under less than optimal conditions.
Alexandre Maia, Regional Sales Manager at Exail, emphasized the suitability of the UmiX-40 for the demanding operational requirements of the SIRTAP Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). He highlighted its precision and ruggedness as key attributes that make it an excellent choice for military applications. Maia further noted that the UmiX-40 will provide a reliable navigation solution tailored to the operational needs of the Spanish Army and their Air and Space Forces.
The SIRTAP itself is a long-endurance unmanned aerial system designed for various intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. This versatile platform can accommodate two payloads simultaneously, including an electro-optical turret and a multi-mission radar, all while boasting an impressive operational range. Capable of sustained flights exceeding 20 hours and covering distances upward of 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles), the SIRTAP is engineered for extreme conditions, featuring an ice protection and high-temperature amplitude system that allows it to function effectively in temperatures ranging from -40 to +50 degrees Celsius (-40 to +122 degrees Fahrenheit).
Last year, Airbus made strides in developing initial prototypes of the SIRTAP drone for the Spanish Armed Forces. In 2023, the Spanish government further solidified its commitment to this technology by signing a substantial contract worth 495 million euros ($554 million) with Airbus. This contract entails the acquisition of nine SIRTAP systems, which include three unmanned aerial vehicles alongside a ground control station for comprehensive operational capability.
