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LYON, France–Answering a request for proposals (RFP) from French armament procurement agency DGA, Daher has tested a modified TBM turboprop single to demonstrate autonomous flight capability.

The RFP aims at creating a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) uncrewed aircraft for surveillance purposes. DGA intends to collect ideas and therefore set a loose framework for the demonstration. Daher was selected in June, along with another four companies–Aura Aero, Fly-R, SE Aviation and Turgis Gaillard.

Daher performed six test flights before presenting its EyePulse proof-of-concept to DGA officials on Nov. 27. Two pilots were on board the prototype, which used Thales ScaleFlyt avionics and the accompanying data link and ground station from the same supplier. The presentation took place less than six months after the signing ceremony, even though DGA gave participants 18 months, Daher Aircraft CEO Nicolas Chabbert emphasizes.

Once in flight, ground operators locked an onboard optronic camera onto a fixed ground target. Then, they started an autonomous phase that included cruise flight, descent, approach and landing. The crew took back the controls to clear the runway, Chabbert says.

As a platform for a MALE UAV, the TBM could be fitted with longer wings, optimized for long flights, and additional fuel tanks instead of passenger seats, Chabbert says. If DGA eventually requires a UAV with a short-takeoff-and-landing capability and a greater payload, Daher’s Kodiak utility turboprop would be suitable, he explains. In any case, remote control could rely on another supplier than Thales, he adds.