Thales has announced the launch of its Fulmar X Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) concept at Farnborough 2016. The Fulmar system was recently selected by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for its new patrol craft.

Fulmar X is a small, flexible vehicle designed to meet the needs of both military and civil customers in performing a wide range of surveillance missions (border surveillance, natural disasters, illegal traffic monitoring...). Fulmar X offers endurance and high-quality aerial intelligence combined with low running costs.

The system offers over 8 hours’ endurance and an operating range of more than 80 km. Built entirely from carbon fibre composite, the UAV has a 3m wingspan. It is launched using a catapult and recovered automatically with a net, which can be operated in very confined areas such as a ship or vehicle.

The Fulmar X system includes a simple user interface so that personnel can focus on the mission itself. It is claimed to be highly reliable and easy to maintain, requiring only simple technical support. The UAV carries a combined EO/IR sensor and can readily be fitted with other equipment such as AIS automatic identification system or Mode 3/C transponder.