Helicopter use for light cargo dominates naval operations

Within an air naval group, about 90 percent of the links between ships carried out by helicopter involve packages weighing less than 25 kg. This has led to growing interest in using logistics drones for such missions, as they offer potential advantages in efficiency and cost.

French Navy tests drone for at-sea resupply

In January 2023, during the ANTARÈS mission, the Centre d'expérimentation pratiques et de réception de l'aéronautique navale [CEPA/10S] tested a Hercules 20 model drone from the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. This drone can lift a 15 kg load and was described by the Ministry of the Armed Forces as "fast and easy to deploy."

Newer Hercules 100 drone unveiled

The Hercules 100, recently presented at the UAV Show in Bordeaux on October 9, has a maximum take-off mass of 197 kg and can carry a 100 kg load for 30 minutes. It flies at a speed of 36 km/h and is designed with an octocopter architecture for improved stability and partial motor failure compensation.

Advanced features for precise delivery

The Hercules 100 is equipped with an RTK GPS, an obstacle avoidance radar, a LiDAR for terrain tracking, and a remote-controlled winch capable of lifting 80 kg. It can deliver a load without landing and can be fitted with an automatic hook and a 30-meter sling for greater flexibility in operations.

Versatile applications for the Hercules 100

According to Drone Volt, the Hercules 100 has potential for various applications, including the transport of equipment, food, water, batteries, spare parts, or health support equipment. Marc Courcelle, CEO of Drone Volt, emphasized its role as a true aerial logistics platform applicable in industry, civil security, and military operations.

French Army explores similar drone capabilities

The French Army may be interested in such a device, as the IDEA³ technical innovation center of the Direction générale de l'armement issued a call for expressions of interest earlier this year regarding a cargo drone capable of transporting 50 kg of freight over a distance of 50 km.