Spaitech SPARROW LE

History of the Spaitech SPARROW LE

The SPARROW LE is a compact surveillance drone developed by Spaitech in Spain. This UAV is known for its lightweight design and all-electric propulsion system, offering excellent lift and reduced noise compared to traditional engines. Equipped with gyro-stabilized optics capable of capturing video, photos, and thermal images, it also has the unique feature of being able to measure radioactivity. With a 3-meter wingspan, it can fly for up to 4 hours at altitudes ranging from 155 miles to 16,405 feet, making it versatile for various applications.

This drone has a maximum takeoff weight of 15.4 lbs and can reach cruise speeds of up to 62 mph. It's launched manually by an operator and uses a parachute for recovery during landing. The complete kit includes the drone itself, a ground control unit, antennas, spare parts, and a carrying case.

The SPARROW LE finds utility in both military and civilian contexts. In the military, it excels in reconnaissance, artillery targeting, and special operations. On the civilian front, it serves law enforcement, border patrol, maritime law enforcement, technical support, and search and rescue missions. Its adaptability, ease of use, and reliable performance make it a valuable tool for a range of tasks.

Specification

Fundamentals

Years of Service: 2021

Origins: Spain

Status: Active.

Crew: 0

Production: 500

Manufacturer: Spaitech - Spain

Roles

Close Air Support (CAS)

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

Special Mission: Search and Rescue (SAR)

Ability to locate and evacuate personnel from potentially hazardous or dangerous areas, such as downed pilots at sea.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

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

Special Forces

Serve special forces/special operations forces and missions.

Unmanned

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

Notable features

All-electric

The design uses an all-electric powerplant for propulsion.

Sturdy aircraft frame

The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

High-speed performance

Can accelerate to higher speeds than the average aircraft at the time.

High performance

The ability to fly and operate at higher altitudes than the average aircraft of the day.

Extended range performance

Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

Super performance

The design covers the three key performance categories of speed, altitude and range.

Seaport

Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Unmanned operation

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

Autonomous operation

The design features autonomous flight operations through artificial intelligence or onboard pre-programming.

Camera equipment

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

Dimensions and Weights

Width/Span: 9.8 feet (3.00m)

Cured weight: 15 lbs (7kg)

MTOW: 15 lbs (7kg)

Performance

Installed: 1 electric power unit driving a multi-blade propeller unit in the nose.

Maximum speed: 68 km/h (110 km/h | 59 kn)

Cruising speed: 53 km/h(85 km/h | 46 knots)

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

Maximum: 16,404 feet (5,000 m | 3 mi)

Area: 155 km (250 km | 463 nautical miles)