Turgis & Gaillard Aarok

Summary

Description

European military drone programs since the 2000s have proven to be half-success, even industrial failures, after the Harfang, the Eurodrone and the Patroller. At the Paris Air Show 2023, a new entirely French MALE drone was unveiled: Aarok. Designed by Turgis & Gaillard, a French company specializing in the military industry founded in 2011, the Aarok could be a serious competitor in the class of Medium Altitude Long Endurance drones, being much cheaper than the American MQ-9 Reaper (~30M€) and more efficient than the Turkish Bayraktar TB2.

The design of the Aarok began in 2020 in the greatest secrecy, supported by the DGA and accompanied by French companies such as Safran and Thalès. The goal is to develop a fully "sovereign" drone that does not use any American components, so as not to be subject to the limitations of the ITAR regulations on arms exports.

With an appearance reminiscent of the Second World War fighters, with a low and straight wing, it displays an imposing wingspan of 22 meters, which makes it the largest French drone. Its design is robust, allowing it to take off and land from rough terrain. In terms of motorization, it is powered by a single propeller engine. The first versions will be equipped with the classic Pratt & Whitney PT6, but it will then be the Ardiden 3 engine from Safran which should equip the production versions. Its autonomy in flight can reach 30 hours. Equipped with six hardpoints, it will be able to carry up to 1.5 ton of armament, including AASM bombs, ANL anti-ship missiles and Hellfire-type anti-tank missiles.

Its first flight is scheduled for the end of 2023, and the manufacturer estimates it can be introduced by 2025, if the DGA gives the green lights. Its unit price is estimated between 5 and 10 million euros.

Technical specifications

All operators

France