Twin Safran turbojets will power UVAD’s Falcon target

Two Safran Power Units turbojets will take UVAD Technologies’ reusable aerial target to supersonic speeds at low and medium altitudes ahead of flight testing in 2027.

Safran Power Units will provide the propulsion system for UVAD Technologies’ Falcon Supersonic UAV, which will be powered by two Safran Power Units turbojet engines designed for robustness, reliability and extended lifespan.

Falcon is an affordable, reusable supersonic aerial target designed to support the increasingly sophisticated missile defence training required by the armed forces. Its architecture also offers potential for broader high-speed missions beyond simulating modern threats.

The engines will enable Falcon to reach supersonic speeds at low and medium altitudes while ensuring rapid deployment and recovery. This level of performance allows for more frequent and cost-effective training sessions for air, naval and missile defence operators.

With its modular architecture and autonomous flight system, Falcon will allow a single operator to oversee multiple drones simultaneously, optimising the efficiency and flexibility of training scenarios.

David Birkett, UVAD Technologies CEO, says: “Our two companies share a common vision for high-performance, affordable defence systems capable of addressing the challenges of the future, particularly those posed by supersonic threats.”

Ghislaine Doukhan, Safran Power Units CEO, adds: “The choice of our engines will make a significant contribution to the Falcon’s capabilities in terms of supersonic flight, robustness and cost-effectiveness.”

Following a successful ground testing campaign in 2026, the programme will enter its flight test phase in 2027, a key step towards operational deployment of the Falcon Supersonic UAV.