DT46 UAV: Enhancing French Military ISR Capabilities
**France is set to significantly bolster its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, as well as fire support for its artillery units, through the deployment of the DT46 unmanned aerial vehicle.** In a landscape of modern warfare that demands swift technological adaptations, the French army is embracing innovative strategies within its artillery sections by introducing this cutting-edge drone, developed by Delair. Scheduled for delivery of 50 units by 2025, the DT46 is currently undergoing rigorous testing by specialized units, including the 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment and the 93rd Mountain Artillery Regiment. This initiative marks a pivotal shift in how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are procured and utilized, amid rising instability and fast-paced technological advancements in the security realm.
In addition to its ground units, the capability of the DT46 UAV is being evaluated by the French Navy, reflecting its versatility and expanding applications. A notable test was successfully conducted aboard the Mistral-class amphibious assault ship Tonnerre in February 2024. The DT46, designed with agility in mind, is financed through internal resources, enhancing its ability to quickly adapt to operational demands. The French Army’s Technical Section (STAT) has received two complete systems, comprising two UAVs, two ground control stations, and an antenna, to conduct detailed tactical assessments.
Following these developments, the initial phase of evaluations has reportedly wrapped up on a positive note, according to Army Recognition. Currently, STAT is focusing on verifying the system’s performance, testing its limits, and tackling essential logistical and maintenance challenges. A comprehensive final report is anticipated by autumn 2025, which will serve as a foundation for possible large-scale deployment within the French military.
Technical Specifications of the DT46 UAV
The DT46 UAV, developed by Delair in Haute-Garonne, France, boasts impressive specifications that cater to a wide range of military needs. Its design allows for configuration as either a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) model or a fixed-wing variant, thus providing enhanced operational flexibility. The fixed-wing model, however, necessitates a catapult for its launch. Notably, the DT46 VTOL UAV excels in conducting efficient aerial reconnaissance missions across diverse environments, capable of functioning within temperature ranges of -15°C to +50°C and resisting wind speeds of up to 35 knots.
With a total weight of 25 kg and a payload capacity of 5 kg, the DT46 can maintain flight for up to 3 hours and 30 minutes. It features a wingspan of 4.5 meters and measures 2 meters in length. Remarkably, the UAV is engineered for rapid deployment, enabling vertical take-offs and landings within confined spaces as small as 20 m² in just 15 minutes. Its operational capabilities are tailored for both day and night missions, providing specific ranges for detecting, recognizing, and identifying vehicles, thereby effectively supporting the French Navy’s UAV objectives.
