CA-1 Europa
Unmanned aerial vehicles are beginning to occupy an increasingly significant share in the air forces of European countries. The day is not far off when they will be able to replace manned fighters, attack aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft and other types of aircraft, and thanks to artificial intelligence, they will eventually transform from "loyal wingmen" into fully independent combat units.
Grob Aircraft— a subsidiary of the German defense concern Helsing, has unveiled the multi-purpose UAV CA-1 Europa, which is scheduled to make its maiden flight in 2027. According to the developers, it will be used in large-scale conflicts with possible large losses of aircraft, which will require their rapid replenishment.
CA-1 Europa
Externally, the CA-1 Europa resembles the promising Australian Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat . The length of the new drone is 11 m, the wingspan is 10 m. The other characteristics are still unknown. Apparently, it will fly at high subsonic speeds. Judging by the published image, the CA-1 airframe is made with an emphasis on stealth, and the payload will be placed in internal compartments. Special attention is paid to the Centaur artificial intelligence system, which will be able to operate at the level of a professional pilot. It will be complemented by electronic warfare systems and the Symphony AI platform for coordinating actions with similar ground, sea and air platforms. Helsing explains that the development of the CA-1 Europa has not yet been completed. The first flight is scheduled for 2027, and commissioning is scheduled for 2029.
Alexander Ageev
