Development
The Barracuda originated as a UAV design study, intended to push EADS into the market for medium-altitude long-range UAVs, a market they view as dominated by the United States and Israel. Its official debut was at the 2006 International Aerospace Exhibition, where military applications and specifications for the Barracuda were revealed. EADS' current focus is to get the Barracuda certified for unregulated flight in Germany's designated airspace, while the long-term goal is to have it certified for non-segregated airspace.
They also plan to develop the Barracuda as a modular platform, so that it can be refitted for various roles like maritime patrol. Offensive capabilities are not planned, but it may be refitted to carry weapons if customers express interest for it. The Barracuda may also be capable of carrying weapon systems. The systems would be installed in the central payload bay.
Germany is also discussing a partnership with Sweden and Italy for a multinational unmanned aerial vehicle effort in order to compete with the French-led Dassault nEUROn programme. Italy and Sweden are already participants in the French-led effort.
The Barracuda's maiden flight took place in April, 2006 at a remote location on the Iberian Peninsula. The flight was a success but the prototype crashed into the water during a test flight just off the Spanish coast on September 23, 2006.
Read more about this topic: EADS Barracuda
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