French minister visits Madagascar

Catherine Vautrin, France's minister of Defense and Veterans, visited Madagascar to promote defense collaboration between the two countries. The visit included a presentation of a new drone by a French company.

New drone unveiled in Madagascar

Drone Volt, a French manufacturer, showcased its Heliplane 340 LRS PRO DEF/SEC drone during the visit. The drone is designed for defense and security operations.

Drone features and capabilities

The Heliplane 340 LRS PRO DEF/SEC is a vertically takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone that switches to horizontal flight using a fixed wing. This allows it to operate without a runway while maintaining the endurance of a traditional airplane.

Technical specifications

The drone has a wingspan of 3.40 meters and a length of 1.50 meters. It can fly for up to two hours, covering nearly 300 km, with a maximum speed of 119 km/h and the ability to fly in winds up to 40 km/h. It can carry up to 3 kilograms of payload.

Surveillance and reconnaissance equipment

In its DEF/SEC version, the drone is equipped with an electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) camera, enabling day and night surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It can be transported in a light vehicle and deployed by a single operator.

Potential applications

Drone Volt lists several uses for the Heliplane 340, including monitoring maritime areas, reconnaissance of remote regions, and combating trafficking. It can also support humanitarian efforts and engineering projects in difficult terrain.

Connection to French forces in the region

The drone's capabilities align with the missions of FAZSOI, an inter-service command that includes French forces in Reunion and Mayotte. FAZSOI conducts regional cooperation with countries like Madagascar in the southern Indian Ocean.

Drone Volt's strategic focus

For Drone Volt, the presentation in Madagascar is part of a broader strategy to focus on defense and security clients. The company develops a range of electric professional drones for various tasks, including carrying payloads up to 100 kg.

Company background and leadership

Founded in 2011, Drone Volt specializes in professional civilian drones and artificial intelligence. Marc Courcelle, the general director, highlights the Heliplane 340 as a versatile surveillance and reconnaissance platform suitable for isolated areas.

Global presence and clients

Drone Volt operates in several countries, including France, the Benelux, Canada, and the United States. Its clients include the French military, major energy companies, and airport authorities. Future Malagasy remote pilots are trained by FAZSOI.