Airbus’ Survey Copter Joins European M2UAS Drone Project

Airbus Helicopters, through its subsidiary Survey Copter, has been selected by the European Defence Agency (EDA) to participate in the Multi Mission Unmanned Aircraft System (M2UAS) project, a program aimed at expanding the operational capabilities of the company’s Capa-X uncrewed aerial system and advancing new architectures for multifunction military drones.

The contract is part of a group of projects running over 48 months with a total budget of approximately €1.1 million (US$1.3 million). The initiative focuses on studying and developing a hybrid uncrewed aircraft platform capable of performing multiple operational missions depending on configuration and payload.

The program builds on the existing Capa-X drone platform, a modular unmanned aerial system designed to support a range of operational and civil applications. Through the M2UAS project, Airbus Helicopters and Survey Copter will examine how the platform can evolve into a more versatile system capable of supporting a broader set of defense missions.

“We would like to thank the EDA for the trust it has placed in us. This selection is a major recognition of our expertise in tactical drone systems and reflects our commitment to supporting the development of innovative European defence capabilities,” said Christophe Canguilhem, director of the Capa-X program, Airbus Helicopters.

Canguilhem added that the existing characteristics of the platform position it well for the project’s goals. “The characteristics of the Capa-X system make it particularly well suited to the M2UAS project, while offering a scalable operational solution that can be adapted to the needs of the armed forces.”

Initial Phase Focused on Operational and Technological Analysis

The first phase of the project will run for 12 months and will focus on analyzing the operational needs of military forces, both current and future. During this stage, project participants will also evaluate technological challenges and identify development pathways for improving the system.

The analysis is intended to guide technology decisions that could enhance the versatility, efficiency, and multi-mission capabilities of the existing Capa-X platform. Findings from this stage will inform how the platform might evolve to meet operational requirements across a range of mission profiles.

According to the program framework described by the EDA, this early phase will play a central role in determining how drone technologies can be integrated into future European defense architectures.

Expanding Capabilities of the Capa-X Platform

The Capa-X system currently serves as the technological foundation for the project. The drone weighs 120 km and is designed as a multi-mission unmanned aerial vehicle capable of supporting extended operational missions.

Its technical specifications include:

• Data link range: up to 100 km

• Endurance: up to 10 hours of flight time

• Payload capacity: up to 20 km

The system’s modular architecture allows it to be adapted for different operational roles through changes in payload and configuration. This flexibility enables the platform to operate across various mission scenarios and regulatory environments.

In addition to defense uses, the design allows deployment by public authorities, civil operators, and parapublic organizations, reflecting the broader applicability of modular unmanned aircraft systems.

Supporting Multi-Mission Drone Development

The long-term objective of the M2UAS project is to define new drone architectures capable of executing a wide range of missions. These could include:

• Surveillance and reconnaissance

• Electronic warfare operations

• Deployment of aerial effects

• Automated in-flight refueling operations

The project also aligns with broader European efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities in uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and reduce dependence on external technologies in critical defense sectors.