Light Reconnaissance Aircraft Introduced by the French Air and Space Force

King Air 350 Long-Range ISR Aircraft

[Researcher Da-hyun Lee, Aviation Guidance Research Team 2, Defense Technology Quality Institute] The French Air and Space Force's first light surveillance aircraft for intelligence purposes, the ALSR (Avion L?ger de Surveillance et de Reconnaissance), is currently undergoing flight tests and commissioning, with operations expected to begin in 2021.

Of the eight VADOR ALSR aircraft, the first aircraft has been delivered to the French Air Force. The first aircraft is a model converted by Thales and Sabena Technics from Beechcraft's King Air 350 Extended Range (ER) platform for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) purposes.

The VADOR aircraft is equipped with a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) electro-optical rotary turret and an unspecified Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) payload, both installed under the lower fuselage of the aircraft in a cupola. These electromagnetic sensors are used for intercepting wireless and mobile phone signals.

The infrared rotary turret is equipped with a laser designator capable of guiding laser-guided weapons to targets. From 2023, Synthetic Aperture Radar/Ground Moving Target Indicator (SAR/GMTI) sensors are planned to be integrated. The aircraft crew consists of five members: two pilots, one tactical coordinator, and two sensor operators. The long-range King Air 350 aircraft can operate continuously for an average of five hours from base. The VADOR aircraft is also equipped with satellite communication systems and both standard and encrypted VHF radios.

The second VADOR aircraft is scheduled for delivery before the end of 2020, and the third aircraft was ordered this year. The first aircraft is planned to be operated by the 1/54 Dunkerque Air Electronic Warfare Squadron stationed at the Evreux base in the Normandy region. This squadron already operates two C-160 Transall Gabriel signals intelligence aircraft. The squadron’s expertise in signals intelligence is expected to benefit the VADOR aircraft crews. In the future, the VADOR aircraft may be integrated into the ISR wing stationed in the Cognac region, which consists of the Air Force’s Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle squadron.

Meanwhile, France has been leasing light surveillance aircraft for 15 years to meet urgent requirements linked to specific operational theaters. The leased aircraft have included King Air 350 aircraft manufactured by CAE Aviation.

The French Air and Space Force also relies on four MQ-9B Reaper Block 1 unmanned aerial vehicles produced by General Atomics and five Medium Altitude Long Endurance unmanned aerial vehicle systems, totaling 12 operational aircraft. Around 2030, four Medium Altitude Long Endurance RPAS Eurodrone systems may be added.