Selex ES Falco
Selex ES (Leonardo) · Italy · first flew 2003 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Selex ES Falco is an Italian medium-altitude tactical unmanned aerial system designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions at ranges beyond line-of-sight. It carries electro-optical, infrared, and synthetic aperture radar payloads in a sensor turret.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 5.25 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Small Italian reconnaissance UAV with pusher or tractor piston engine
- High straight wing with sensor turret under nose
- Compact 7.2 m span tactical surveillance platform
A neat high-wing monoplane of modest size with an underslung sensor turret; distinguished from similar UAVs by its Italian design lineage and the family resemblance to the larger Falco Xplorer.
Specifications
- The Selex ES Falco has a length of 5.25 m (17 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.2 m (24 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 216 km/h (134 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by Selex ES (a subsidiary of Finmeccanica, later Leonardo), the Falco first flew in 2003 and was offered primarily for export. It attracted interest from several nations seeking affordable ISR capability without the cost of larger systems. The Falco Evo is an improved variant with enhanced endurance.
Variants
The Falco Evo (Evolution) improved on the original with a more powerful engine and upgraded sensors; a further variant, the Falco Xplorer, significantly enlarged the airframe for MALE-class operations.
Where you'll see it
The Falco has been operated by several countries for border surveillance and military ISR; Leonardo markets it as a key element of its unmanned systems portfolio.
Related aircraft
- Aeronautics Aerostar
- Northrop Grumman GQM-163 Coyote
- Northrop Grumman X-47A Pegasus
- Schiebel Camcopter S-100
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