On its first public debut since the formation of the joint venture with Cassidian, Rheinmetall Airborne Systems (RAS) unveils a tactical unmanned hybrid aerial vehicle at the ILA Berlin Airshow 2012. The X1 is still in the concept phase, developed in cooperation with Swiss UAV. The hybrid airborne system will combine the capabilities of a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft, thus lending itself to a wide variety of missions. According to RAS, the X1 will join the company’s existing airborne platforms, creating a product family that blends extensive operational experience with cutting edge technical innovation.
RAS is also displaying the Heron I, currently supporting the German forces in Afghanistan. The same platform is also displayed by IAI across the border in Poland, at the MSPO Aerospace and Defense expo, Tomasz Basarabowicz reports.
