EADS Harfang

Harfang UAV of the Armée de l'Air.

The EADS Harfang is an unmanned aerial vehicle developed for service in the French Air Force.

Development

The project was inspired by the IAI Heron, an Israeli drone aircraft shown at the 1999 Paris Air Show. It was built by EADS, the European Aeronautics and Space company now part of Airbus.

Name

Its name comes from Harfang des neiges, the French name for the snowy owl, a raptor (bird of prey).

Specifications

The Harfang is a twin-boom aircraft, propelled by a rear-mounted engine. Avionics include GPS. It has no weapon on board.

Users

France

• Armée de l'Air.
  • Escadron de Drones 1/33 "Adour".

Use

In May 2011, it was used for observation of the G8 meeting in Deauville. In January 2013, France used this plane for reconnaissance against Islamist terrorists who occupy the north of Mali.

EADS Harfang Media

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  Harfang drone

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  BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - A rear view of a French Unmanned Arial Vehicle, from the only French air force UAV Squadron. The French UAV is very similar to the MQ-1 Predator in many respects. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Felicia Juenke)

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  Tail of Vehicle 1021 F-SDAU with the insignia of the unit

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  BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Adjutant Chief Richard Muze ensures all parts of the UAV engine are working properly, here July 11. Adjutant Chief Richard Muze is from the only French air force UAV Operational Squadron. They are deployed to Bagram in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Felicia Juenke)