A first for the Spanish Navy. A Scan Eagle drone embarked in the Indian Ocean

(B2) Spanish sailors have implemented a Scan Eagle drone on the amphibious ship Galicia (1) which operates in the Indian Ocean and serves as flagship for the EUNAVFOR Atalanta operation. A first for the Spanish Navy, which had not tested this drone in a maritime operation (2).

Scan Eagle is " become one of the means of producing more valuable information " for the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) in Operation Atalanta, which operates in the waters of the Indian Ocean, according to the staff of the Spanish army. SSpecially designed for acquiring data, imaging and video, day or night, it provides " images in real time, discreetly, and over a long period of time (it can fly continuously for more than 18 hours). This greatly helps in decision making ».

At the beginning of September, the “Scan Eagle” has already flown 175 hours “ without noticeable damage ". In June, he carried out reconnaissance missions on the coast northern Somalia, and more recently on the eastern coast of Somalia in order to " identify and locate possible illegal activities in the coastal strip, related to piracy ».

The system consists of four devices, one of which is specially designed for image acquisition and night flight. Drones are launched from of a catapult from the deck of the ship. The collection of information is carried out by means of a camera, located in the wing of the drone. Antennas ensure the exchange of information between the command station and the drone. The pilot station is located in the flight of the ship's hangar where the operators of the newly formed 11th squadron, within the Spanish Naval Aeronautics, are located. This embarked air unit (UNAEMB), dedicated entirely to the "Scan Eagle", made of 3 pilot officers, as well as 3 non-commissioned officers and 1 sailor for maintenance work and preparation for the flight