Thales SpyRanger

The Story of the Thales SpyRanger

The Thales Spy'Ranger is a classified small drone designed for military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations on the battlefield. Its versatile and robust design allows ground commanders to have real-time aerial views, serving as a forward combat solution. Beyond military applications, it can be utilized for artillery targeting and humanitarian operations.

The drone's traditional design incorporates a streamlined fuselage housing major components, with optics positioned for an unobstructed view and an electric propulsion system driving a twin-blade propeller. Quick deployment in the field, with a single soldier managing the entire system, highlights its portability. The Spy'Ranger's capabilities include speeds of 65 to 90 km/h, autonomous features, and a secure data connection. In case of a lost connection, the drone autonomously returns to a preset point for retrieval.

Available in two models, the Spy'Ranger 330 and Spy'Ranger 550, with distinct specifications, the drone has been in service with the French Armed Forces, specifically the Spy'Ranger 330 variant, to address internal unrest in Mali since 2020. Its integration into military operations showcases its effectiveness and adaptability in diverse scenarios.

Specification

Basics

Years of Operation: 2018

Origins: France

Status: Active.

Crew: 0

Production: 55+

Operator: France; UK

Roles

Close Air Support (CAS)

Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Unmanned

Aircraft designed (or later developed) have inherent unmanned capabilities and can fill a variety of battlefield roles.

Note features

Pusher bracket

The design features a rearward push rod arrangement in contrast to the more traditional pull rod arrangement.

All Electric

The design uses an all-electric powerplant for propulsion.

Unmanned operation

The design features the ability to fly without a pilot, with actions controlled by onboard programming and/or ground operators.

Camera equipment

Payload supports photographic devices that provide still and/or live image/video results.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 14.8 feet (4.50 m)

Width/span: 17.1 ft (5.20m)

Cured weight: 55 lbs (25kg)

Main Aircraft Structure

Monoplane: Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Shoulder: The main aircraft is mounted on the upper part of the fuselage, usually on an imaginary line that intersects the pilot's shoulders.

Straight: Floor plans involve the use of simple, straight main plan elements.

Performance

Installed: 1 x electric motor drives a thrust-arranged two-bladed propeller unit.

Maximum speed: 56 km/h (90 km/h | 49 kn)

Cruising speed: 40 km/h (65 km/h | 35 knots)

Maximum speed difference: +26 km/h (+25 km/h | 13 kn)

Area: 50 km (50 km | 93 nautical miles)

VARIANTS

Spy'Ranger 330 - Base design with 15 kg payload capacity; 30 km range.

Spy'Ranger 550 - Larger in size, 25kg payload; 50km range.