The Patroller Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from Sagem and Stemme recently completed a series of eight test flights ending with a 10 hour flight. This UAV is the result of a joint French-German industrial partnership and incorporated technology from both firms. With a profile similar to that of a powered glider, Patroller combines Sagem’s expertise in drones and Stemme’s specialty in long range high performance gliders. The result is a single engine long endurance UAV system with excellent performance (reliability and time in the air). Patroller weighs a ton, has a wingspan of 18 meters (59 ft) and a max speed of 315 kilometers an hour. It can stay in the air for up to 30 hours at an altitude of 25,000 feet.

Sensors include a synthetic aperture radar pod, Euroflir gyrostabilised observation system and a SATCOM system. Future developments will include maritime radar and airborne relay. Total payload is 550 pounds. The Patroller shares commonality with Sagem’s earlier SperWer Tactical UAV, using the same ground control and similar avionics. Patroller joins a growing number of long-range UAV’s, such as Israel’s twin engine (two ton) Dominator 2, the single engine, 1.5 ton American Skywarrior and 12 ton, jet powered Global Hawk. Dominator 2 can remain airborne for as long as 28 hours, Sky Warrior for more than 30 hours, and Global Hawk possessing an airborne range of 42 hours. (Source—Mike Perry, Strategy Page)