Selex ES Falco

{{Short description|Italian-designed surveillance drone}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}  {{Infobox aircraft | name = Falco / Falco EVO / Astore | logo = | logo_size = | image = A team of technicians prepares for the inaugural flight of an Unmanned-Unarmed Aerial Vehicles (UAV) in Goma, North Kivu province (11189522286)-1~4.jpg | alt = | caption = A Falco UAV in [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|DR Congo]] as part of [[MONUSCO]] peacekeeping mission | long_caption = | other_names = | aircraft_type = *'''Falco and Falco EVO''': [[Unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicle]] *'''Astore''': Tactical [[unmanned combat aerial vehicle]] | aim = | outcome = | related = | national_origin = [[Italy]] | manufacturer = [[Selex ES]] [[Pakistan Aeronautical Complex]] (since 2008)<ref name="pac.org.pk">{{cite web|url=https://www.pac.org.pk/amf |title=Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra - Aircraft Manufacturing Factory |publisher=Pac.org.pk |date= |accessdate=2022-09-04}}</ref> [[Leonardo S.p.A.|Leonardo]] [[Leonardo-Finmeccanica]] (since 2016) | design_group = | designer = [[Galileo Avionica]] | builder = | issuer = | status = | owners = | primary_user = [[Pakistan Air Force]] [[Royal Saudi Air Force]] [[Bangladesh Air Force]] | more_users = | service = | major_applications = | proposals = | prototypes = | number_built = ~50 production aircraft<ref name="flightglobal1">{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/selex-galileo-targets-uk-falco-uav-flights-deal-with-libya/85372.article|title=Selex Galileo targets UK Falco UAV flights, deal with Libya|website=Flight Global}}</ref> | construction_number = | civil_registration = | military_serial = | radio_code = | requirement = | aircraft_carried = | flights = | total_hours = | total_distance = | construction_date = | introduction = *'''Falco''': 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/news/defence/air/jdw/jdw081125_1_n.shtml|title=Global Air Forces - News and Defence Headlines - Jane's 360|website=janes.com}}</ref><ref name="Leonardo Falco family"/> | retired = | first_flight = *'''Falco''': December 2003<ref name="flightglobal.com">{{cite web|title=Falco prepared for system tests|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2004/11/02/189533/falco-prepared-for-system-tests.html|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20121113182924/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/falco-prepared-for-system-tests-189533/|date= 4 November 2004|archive-date= 13 November 2012 |website=Flightglobal|url-status=dead}}</ref> *'''Falco EVO ''': 2012<ref name="Leonardo Falco family"/> | initiated = | in_service = | last_flight = | expected = | developed_from = | variants = | developed_into = | preservation = | fate = | predecessors = | successors = | concluded = }}

The '''Falco''' ([[English language|English:]] hawk) is a family of tactical [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s designed and produced by [[Selex ES]] (now [[Leonardo S.p.A.|Leonardo]] formerly Leonardo-Finmeccanica and Finmeccanica, originally by Galileo Avionica of [[Italy]]). The Falco family UAVs are designed to be a medium-altitude, medium-endurance [[intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance]] (ISTAR) capable platform equipped with range of payloads, including several types of high-resolution sensors.<ref name="flightglobal.com"/><ref name="Leonardo Falco family">{{cite web |title=The Falco family |url=https://uncrewed.leonardo.com/en/focus-detail/-/detail/leonardo-falco-family |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260203031355/https://uncrewed.leonardo.com/en/focus-detail/-/detail/leonardo-falco-family|website=Leonardo|date= 6 December 2022|access-date=February 3, 2026|archive-date=February 3, 2026}}</ref><ref name="Falco EVO Leonardo">{{cite web |url=https://aeronautics.leonardo.com/documents/30508878/30801272/FALCO_EVO_MM07818-VEL.pdf|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203024618/https://aeronautics.leonardo.com/documents/30508878/30801272/FALCO_EVO_MM07818-VEL.pdf?t=1760344662858 |title=Falco EVO |publisher=Leonardo |url-status=live |archive-date= 3 February 2026|format=PDF}}</ref> A larger variant, the '''Falco EVO''',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aeronautics.leonardo.com/en/products/falco-evo|title=Falco EVO|website=Leonardo}}</ref> is capable of carrying larger payloads is also available.<ref name="Falco EVO Leonardo"/> Neither system is designed to carry weapons, The launch customer, Pakistan, reportedly wanted the Falco armed, a request that Italy rejected.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=aerospacedaily&id=news%2Fasd%2F2011%2F03%2F01%2F01.xml&headline=Pakistan%20Air%20Chief%20Outlines%20Procurement%20Plans |title=Pakistan Air Chief Outlines Procurement Plans | AVIATION WEEK |accessdate=2018-03-07 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020205131/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=aerospacedaily&id=news%2Fasd%2F2011%2F03%2F01%2F01.xml&headline=Pakistan%20Air%20Chief%20Outlines%20Procurement%20Plans |archivedate=20 October 2011 }}</ref> '''Astore''' is a armed version developed from the Falco EVO equipped with two Turkish made [[Roketsan Cirit]] 70 mm laser-guided missiles along with the ISTAR capability.<ref name="Leonardo Falco family"/><ref name="Italy to Use Cirit Missiles on Astore Armed UAVs">{{cite web |title=Italy to Use Cirit Missiles on Astore Armed UAVs |url=https://turdef.com/article/italy-to-use-cirit-missiles-on-astore-armed-ua-vs |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240804174000/https://turdef.com/article/italy-to-use-cirit-missiles-on-astore-armed-ua-vs |archive-date=4 August 2024 |url-status=live |website=Turdef|date=9 January 2024}}</ref> As of 2026, the Bangladesh Air Force is the only confirmed user of the armed Falco family UAVs.<ref name="Bangladesh Issues Letter of Intent for Eurofighter Typhoon Fighter Jets">{{cite web |last=Cenciotti |first=David |url=https://theaviationist.com/2025/12/09/bangladesh-loi-typhoon/ |title=Bangladesh Issues Letter of Intent for Eurofighter Typhoon Fighter Jets |website=The Aviationist |date=2025-12-09 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251214015227/https://theaviationist.com/2025/12/09/bangladesh-loi-typhoon/ |archive-date=2025-12-14 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-04}}</ref>

==Development== * The Falco UAV's maiden flight took place in December 2003 and Galileo Avionica had completed platform qualification in late October 2004. Over 40 hours of flight-testing had been completed by then at the Salto di Quirra test range in [[Sardinia]]. Validation of flight controls had been completed in September 2004. Testing of the onboard systems was planned to be started in early 2005 and integration of the electro-optical sensor suite planned for July 2005. Radar installation was scheduled to begin in 2006.<ref name="flightglobal.com"/> * In January 2007 it was reported that Galileo Avionica had finished factory acceptance tests and was ready to deliver the first production Falco UAV System to its launch customer, then believed to be Pakistan. The production version of the Falco UAV used a modified powerplant developing 80 hp (60 kW), supplied by UAV Engines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/01/29/211769/first-galileo-avionica-falco-uav-set-for-delivery-launch-customer-remains.html|title=News Channel - Homepage - flightglobal.com|website=Flightglobal.com}}</ref> * In March 2009 it was reported that a modified version named Falco Evo, evo meaning evolution, was being offered. It features larger tail booms and wings which almost double wingspan to 12.5 m and increase payload from 70 kg to 100 kg. The Falco Evo's first flight was expected to take place by mid-2010.<ref name="flightglobal1"/> * At the time [[Selex ES]] officials refused to identify the customer, but it was known that Pakistan had ordered 5 systems, including a total of 25 Falco UAVs with spare flight units and ground control stations (GCS). Two systems were in service by March 2009, two more had been delivered and the final assembly of the last system was being undertaken in Pakistan.<ref name="flightglobal1"/> * In August 2009 it was reported that the Falco UAV had completed flight-tests while being launched by a catapult launch system, the Robonic MC2555LLR pneumatic launcher.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/08/10/330813/auvsi-selex-galileo-proves-falcos-rail-launch-performance.html|title=News Channel - Homepage - flightglobal.com|website=Flightglobal.com}}</ref> Pakistan started manufacturing the Falco UAV at [[Pakistan Aeronautical Complex|Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Kamra ]]<ref name=Dawn>{{cite news|title=Complex at Kamra to manufacture drones|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/880177/complex-at-kamra-to-manufacture-drones|access-date=10 August 2014|publisher=Dawn|date=21 August 2009}}</ref> * Around September 2009 the first flight of a Falco UAV carrying a high resolution [[active electronically scanned array|AESA]] [[synthetic aperture radar|synthetic aperture radar (SAR)]] sensor payload, called PicoSAR, was made.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/09/08/331961/dsei-falco-uav-makes-first-flight-with-picosar-radar.html|title=News Channel - Homepage - flightglobal.com|website=Flightglobal.com}}</ref> * SELEX Galileo, now [[Selex ES]], announced on 23 July 2012 that the Falcon Evo had successfully completed its 40-minute maiden flight from Cheshnegirovo air base in Bulgaria.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-falco-evo-uav-makes-flight-debut-374667/|title=PICTURES: Falco Evo UAV makes flight debut|date=24 July 2012|website=flightglobal.com}}</ref> * In August 2013, the [[Selex ES]] Falco was chosen by [[United Nations]] to be deployed in the [[Democratic Republic of Congo]] to monitor movements of armed groups in the region and to protect the civilian population more effectively.<ref>{{cite web| title=Italian firm to provide surveillance drone for U.N. in Congo | author=Michelle Nichols| publisher=Reuters| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-congo-democratic-un-drones-idUSBRE97014720130801?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews| date=1 August 2013}}</ref> * In September 2013, [[Selex ES]] has announced a deal worth over 40 million Euros (US$52 million) to sell its Falco UAV to an unnamed Middle Eastern country<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20130910/DEFREG01/309100024/Selex-ES-Sells-Falco-UAV-Middle-Eastern-Country |title=Selex ES Sells Falco UAV to Middle Eastern Country | Defense News | d… |accessdate=2015-01-11 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20150117132146/http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20130910/DEFREG01/309100024/Selex-ES-Sells-Falco-UAV-Middle-Eastern-Country |archivedate=17 January 2015 }}</ref> * In June 2023, the Falco was shown at the Paris Air Show fitted with a [[Brimstone (missile)]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gosselin-Malo |first1=Elisabeth |title=Leonardo displays Falco Xplorer drone armed with MBDA missile |url=https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2023/06/21/leonardo-displays-falco-xplorer-drone-armed-with-mbda-missile/ |website=defensenews.com |date=21 June 2023 |publisher=Defense News |access-date=22 June 2023}}</ref>

==Design== [[File:Salon du Bourget 20090619 227.jpg|thumb|Selex ES Falco at Paris Air Show 2009]] The Falco UAV System comprises:<ref name="leonardocompany.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.leonardocompany.com/-/falco#|title=Falco - DETTAGLIO - Leonardo - Aerospace, Defence and Security|website=leonardocompany.com}}</ref> * Ground Control Station (GCS) * Ground Data Terminal (GDT) * Ground Support Equipment (GSE) * 4 Falco UAVs housing payloads specified by the user

The Falco UAV is {{convert|17|ft|m}} long, {{convert|6|ft|m}} high, has a {{convert|24|ft|m|adj=on}} wingspan and a top speed of {{convert|134|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. A maximum altitude of around {{convert|16400|ft|m}} and endurance of up to 14 hours can be attained.<ref name="drones"/><ref>General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Selex Galileo</ref> As well as providing the Falco air vehicle, [[Selex ES]] offers a range of sensors, including EOST 46 electro-optical/infrared turret, Gabbiano 20 multi-mode surveillance radar and the PicoSAR radar. The latter is a compact, active "e-scan" radar providing synthetic aperture radar imagery and ground moving target indication. When used in conjunction with change detection software, the PicoSAR can be a powerful counter-IED tool. The Falco can also carry the SAGE electronic warfare suite for accurate direction-finding, classification and geo-location of emitters.<ref name="ainonline.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/farnborough-air-show/2012-07-13/falco-gains-mystery-customer-evo-prepped-flight|title=Falco Gains Mystery Customer as EVO Prepped for Flight|website=ainonline.com|access-date=11 September 2012|archive-date=5 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705151423/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/farnborough-air-show/2012-07-13/falco-gains-mystery-customer-evo-prepped-flight|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Falco EVO System has a payload capacity of up to 100 kg and an extended endurance of up to 18 hours.

==Operational history== ===Pakistan=== It has been deployed by [[Pakistan]]'s military, after the purchase of 24 planes, to the [[Swat Valley]], and a partnership is planned between Selex Galileo partner and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, a state-owned defense manufacturer, to produce the Falco in Pakistan.<ref name="drones">Alex Rodriguez [Pakistan pursues its own drones] 9 October 2009 LA Times</ref> The Falco does not carry [[armament]]s and has no strike capability. The U.S. has refused to sell Pakistan its more advanced UAVs over concerns about "sensitive data".<ref name="drones"/> The word Falco means [[hawk]] in [[Italian language|Italian]].

* The Pakistani unarmed Falco UAVs are believed to have been used during the country's 2009 security operations in the Swat Valley for locating "all kinds of targets," including "ammunition dumps, bunkers, hide-outs, pickets" and other types of infrastructure used by the insurgency.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Alex|last1=Rodriguez|access-date=2018-03-29|title=Pakistan turns to drones of its own|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-oct-09-fg-pakistan-drones9-story.html|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=9 October 2009|issn=0458-3035}}</ref> * A locally-built drone crash-landed at Base near Chak 96 Sargodha. The aircraft suffered minor damages and no one was injured on the ground.<ref name="The news tribe">{{cite news|title=Pakistani drone crashes near Sargodha|url=http://www.thenewstribe.com/2014/08/10/pakistani-drone-crashes-near-sargodha/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812065910/http://www.thenewstribe.com/2014/08/10/pakistani-drone-crashes-near-sargodha/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=12 August 2014|accessdate=10 August 2014|publisher=thenewstribe|date=10 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="Zee News">{{cite news|title=Pakistan drone aircraft crash lands|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/south-asia/pakistan-drone-aircraft-crash-lands_953661.html|accessdate=10 August 2014|publisher=Zee News|date=10 August 2014}}</ref>

===Jordan=== On 15 and 16 June 2017 two Selex Falco operated by Jordan were shot down in the vicinity of the town of [[Daraa]] by Syrian [[MiG-23]] fighters with [[R-23 (missile)|R-24R]] missiles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.warisboring.com/drones-are-dropping-like-flies-from-the-sky-over-syria/ |title=Drones Are Dropping Like Flies From the Sky Over Syria Shoot-downs are becoming commonplace. Tom Cooper. June 22, 2017 |access-date=27 March 2020 |archive-date=8 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108231158/https://warisboring.com/drones-are-dropping-like-flies-from-the-sky-over-syria/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Operators== [[File:Falco operators.png|thumb|400px|World operators of the Falco and Falco Evo]] Elbit of Israel has ordered the [[Selex ES]] Gabbiano radar for the Hermes 450 and 900 UAVs, for long-range surveillance cover over land or sea, with applications including synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and inverse SAR imagery modes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/elbit-orders-gabbiano-radars-for-hermes-uavs-358965/|title=Elbit orders Gabbiano radars for Hermes UAVs|date=29 June 2011|website=flightglobal.com}}</ref> [[Selex ES]] has not commented on operators but the Falco has been reported as being acquired by the following countries: ;{{BAN}} *[[Bangladesh Air Force]]: In March 2019, UN Provide Bangladesh Air force gets 3 Falco EVO. After 2 years Air force integrate 2/3 Falco Family UAVs including Astore (each are armed with two [[Roketsan Cirit]] missiles).<ref>{{cite news |author= Giacomo Cavanna|date=21 June 2020 |title= Il Bangladesh acquista il drone Falco EVO di Leonardo|trans-title=Bangladesh buys Leonardo's Falco EVO drone |url=https://www.aresdifesa.it/2020/06/21/il-bangladesh-acquista-il-drone-falco-evo-di-leonardo/ |language=it |work=Associazione Culturale Ares |location=Rome,Italy |access-date=29 November 2020}}</ref><ref name="Bangladesh Issues Letter of Intent for Eurofighter Typhoon Fighter Jets"/> ;{{LBY}} * In July 2009 according to the French research agency ADIT a deal for a sale of Falco UAVs was awaiting Italian government approval.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2943&Itemid=106|title=Falco UAVs for Libya? - defenceWeb|first=Leon|last=Engelbrecht|website=defenceweb.co.za|date=17 May 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/selex-galileo-targets-uk-falco-uav-flights-deal-with-libya-323367/|title=Selex Galileo targets UK Falco UAV flights, deal with Libya|date=5 March 2009|website=flightglobal.com}}</ref> ;{{JOR}} * In November 2009 the Jordanian Armed Forces awarded a contract to SELEX Galileo to develop indigenous UAV technologies and electro-optic sensors for Jordan special operations forces based on the company's Falco tactical unmanned aerial system (TUAS).<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=2018-03-29|title=Selex to Develop UAV Technologies for Jordan - Army Technology|url=https://www.army-technology.com/news/news70843-html/|newspaper=Army Technology|date=24 November 2009}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=June 2016}} ;{{PAK}} * Pakistan became the first Falco export customer in 2007 and started manufacturing the Falco under license at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in 2008.<ref name="pac.org.pk">{{cite web|url=https://www.pac.org.pk/amf |title=Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra - Aircraft Manufacturing Factory |publisher=Pac.org.pk |date= |accessdate=2022-09-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/first-galileo-avionica-falco-uav-set-for-delivery-launch-customer-remains-211769/|title=First Galileo Avionica Falco UAV set for delivery, launch customer remains undisclosed|date=29 January 2007|website=flightglobal.com}}</ref> ;{{SAU}} * On 13 July 2012 ainonline.com reported a new sale for the Falco, bringing the number of export customers to four, and that more than 50 air vehicles were operational at the time.<ref name="ainonline.com"/> ;{{TKM}} * 3 Falco XN in 2011 for €8,7 million<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mele|first1=Pierluigi|title=L'export armato italiano ai regimi dell'ex URSS Intervista a Giorgio Beretta|url=http://www.rainews.it/dl/rainews/articoli/L-export-armato-italiano-ai-regimi-dell-ex-URSS-Intervista-a-Giorgio-Beretta-b0a850b2-32fd-457e-b715-9f43da2b047e.html?refresh_ce|website=Rai News|accessdate=12 May 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402094131/http://www.rainews.it/dl/rainews/articoli/L-export-armato-italiano-ai-regimi-dell-ex-URSS-Intervista-a-Giorgio-Beretta-b0a850b2-32fd-457e-b715-9f43da2b047e.html?refresh_ce|archivedate=2 April 2015|language=it|date=1 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Italia: ecco le armi esportate da Berlusconi a dittatori e regimi autoritari|url=http://www.unimondo.org/Notizie/Italia-ecco-le-armi-esportate-da-Berlusconi-a-dittatori-e-regimi-autoritari-135097|website=Unimondo|accessdate=12 May 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516234513/http://www.unimondo.org/Notizie/Italia-ecco-le-armi-esportate-da-Berlusconi-a-dittatori-e-regimi-autoritari-135097|archivedate=16 May 2012|language=it|date=14 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Jennings|first1=Gareth|title=Turkmenistan showcased M-346, C-27J aircraft|url=http://www.janes.com/article/79888/turkmenistan-showcased-m-346-c-27j-aircraft|website=IHS Jane's 360|accessdate=12 May 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508185913/http://www.janes.com/article/79888/turkmenistan-showcased-m-346-c-27j-aircraft|archivedate=8 May 2018|location=London|date=8 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Turkmenistan purchases Italian military aircraft|url=https://en.hronikatm.com/2018/05/turkmenistan-purchases-italian-military-aircraft/|website=Chronicles of Turkmenistan|accessdate=12 May 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512125744/https://en.hronikatm.com/2018/05/turkmenistan-purchases-italian-military-aircraft/|archivedate=12 May 2018|date=11 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> ;{{flag|United Nations}} * The United Nation Peacekeeping force has started using the Falco UAV in places such as war-torn DR Congo since 3 December 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=46650&Cr=democratic&Cr1=congo#.UqVWR_RDvE1|title=UN launches unmanned surveillance aircraft to better protect civilians in vast DR Congo|date=3 December 2013|website=un.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6uag2TSdoU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211220/Z6uag2TSdoU |archive-date=2021-12-20 |url-status=live|title=UN Mission in DR Congo launches the inaugural flight of unarmed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Goma|last=United Nations|date=3 December 2013|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> According to Allen Mcduffee of Wired.com's dangerroom,<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2018-03-29|title=Allen McDuffee |url=https://www.wired.com/author/allen-mcduffee/|website=wired.com}}</ref> "the United Nations has turned to spy drones for the first time in its history in an effort to increase pressure in militias in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, marking both a major technological advancement in the organization’s peacekeeping arsenal as well as a shift in how it views the use of unmanned aerial vehicles".<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=2018-03-29|title=The UN Launches Its Own Spy Drone Program|url=https://www.wired.com/2013/12/un-drones/|newspaper=WIRED}}</ref> A service contract to operate 5 "Falco" drones (price about €50million) was signed at the end of July between Selex ES and the United Nations<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jpic-jp.org/pt/pl_pub/pl_pub.php?na=130&idm=en |title=Italian drones for the war in the DRCongo |accessdate=2015-01-11 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403101554/http://www.jpic-jp.org/pt/pl_pub/pl_pub.php?na=130&idm=en |archivedate=3 April 2015 }}</ref>

==Specifications== ===Falco EVO and Astore=== ''Data from Leonardo''<ref name="Leonardo Falco family"/><ref name="Falco EVO Leonardo"/> '''General characteristics''' *'''Capacity:''' 100 kg (331 lb) *'''Length:''' 6.2 m *'''Wingspan:''' 12.5 m *'''Height''': 2.5 m *'''Max takeoff weight''': 650 kg *'''Powerplant:''' 1 × Heavy fuel engine *'''Maximum speed:''' 134 mph *'''Service ceiling:''' **'''Falco EVO:''' 6,000 m **'''Astore''': >7,000 m *'''Endurance:''' **'''Falco EVO:''' >20 hr to >24 hr **'''Astore:''' >16 hr *'''Hardpoints:''' 2 × under-wing hardpoints for total 2 [[Roketsan Cirit]] missiles (Astore)<ref name="Italy to Use Cirit Missiles on Astore Armed UAVs"/> *'''Avionics''' ** '''Communications:''' Jamming-resistant data-link, real time data transmission, range >200 km ** '''Mission payloads:''' *** '''High resolution cameras:''' [[thermal imaging]], [[hyperspectral imaging]], colour TV, EO *** '''Radars:''' [[Synthetic aperture radar]], [[Radar configurations and types#Search|maritime surveillance radar]] *** '''Targeting:''' [[Laser designator]] *** '''Others:''' [[Electronic support measures]] equipment, [[Weapon of mass destruction|NBC]] sensors, self-protection equipment ([[Chaff (radar countermeasure)|chaff]] / [[Flare (countermeasure)|flare]] dispensers)

===Falco=== [[File:Falco UAV.jpg|thumb|Drawing lines]] {{Aircraft specs |prime units? = met |ref=Leonardo,<ref name="Falco Data Sheet">{{cite web |title=Falco Data Sheet |url=https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/falco-data-s/22960709 |publisher=[[Leonardo S.p.A.|Leonardo]] (formerly Selex ES) |date=June 14, 2013 |access-date=March 1, 2026 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260301025509/https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/falco-data-s/22960709 |archive-date=March 1, 2026 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Leonardo Falco family"/><ref name="Falco EVO Leonardo"/> Flightglobal<ref name="flightglobal.com"/> |capacity = 70 kg (331 lb) |length m=5.25 |length ft=17.2 |span m=7.2 |span ft=23.6 |height m=1.8 |height ft=5.9 |max takeoff weight kg=420 |max takeoff weight lb= |eng1 name=Gasoline engine |eng1 number=1 |eng1 hp=65 |eng1 kw=48 |max speed kmh=216 |max speed mph=134 | cruise speed kmh = 160 | cruise speed mph = | cruise speed kts = 90 |ceiling m=5,000 |ceiling ft=21,325 | endurance = 8-14 hr |hardpoints= |hardpoint capacity= |avionics= * '''Communications:''' Jamming-resistant data-link, real time data transmission, range 200 km (extendable with GCS handover or relay capability) * '''Mission payloads:''' ** '''High resolution cameras:''' 10-inch electro-optical sensor ([[thermal imaging]], [[hyperspectral imaging]], colour TV, EO) ** '''Radars:''' [[Synthetic aperture radar]], [[Radar configurations and types#Search|maritime surveillance radar]] ** '''Targeting:''' [[Laser designator]] ** '''Others:''' [[Electronic support measures]] equipment, [[Weapon of mass destruction|NBC]] sensors, self-protection equipment ([[Chaff (radar countermeasure)|chaff]] / [[Flare (countermeasure)|flare]] dispensers) }}

==See also== * [[List of unmanned aerial vehicles]] * [[Twin-boom aircraft]]

==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links== {{commons category|SELEX Galileo Falco}} * [http://www.leonardocompany.com/-/falco# Leonardo Falco UAV product datasheet]

[[Category:Galileo aircraft|Falco]] [[Category:Unmanned military aircraft of Italy]] [[Category:Twin-boom aircraft]] [[Category:Single-engined pusher aircraft]] [[Category:Synthetic aperture radar]] [[Category:High-wing aircraft]]