MBLE Épervier
The MBLE Épervier is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV ) for battlefield reconnaissance and surveillance of the Belgian manufacturer Manufacture Belge de Lampe et de Materiel Electronique from the 1970s. Non - NATO countries were offered the system with identical equipment, but other codes and frequencies under the name " Asmodee ".
History
The concept for the construction of the Belgian drone of the type Delta Epervier was developed according to the specifications of a NATO invitation. On 11 July 1969, the Belgian government decided for financial support of the project. It was realized by the company MBLE. 1972 and 1973 the system went through an official military evaluation in 1976 it was declared operational. 30 pieces were purchased, at a price of 27 million Belgian francs, which corresponds to a current price of 670,000 euros. The drone is equipped with a Lucas CT 3201 jet engine.
Construction
The device has a delta wing made of aluminum which of Sonaca ( Gosselies ) is produced as a subcontractor. The start is via Jet Assisted Take-Off ( JATO ), so with a start auxiliary rocket of 1200 kg within 0.7 seconds. For landing, there is a parachute of 60 m² in the aircraft nose, with a "Circular Error Probable " is guaranteed by 150 m.
The camera equipment consists of " Omera " 70 mm day or night cameras. For night photography to light ten " flares " carried. It is possible also a "SAT Cyclope " Infrared scanning equipment.
The overall system includes, in addition to the UAV 's sensors, a mobile launcher and a control center ( Drone Control Center), which takes over the control and course tracking. In addition, there is a mobile unit for the development and interpretation of the captured photos.