Airbus launched the development of the LOAD catapult-launched UAV, armed with up to three missiles to shoot down UAV threats as an airborne C-UAS solution.
LOAD will be a short-ranged interceptor UAV against kamikaze or reconnaissance types with a range of 100 km and quick sortie thanks to a catapult launch. After executing the mission, LOAD will be recovered by parachute.
The armament consists of three guided missiles of unspecified type, but judging from the looks of the CGI released by Airbus, it might be the SADM missile or a version of it. SADM was developed for the Sky Warden C-UAS system as a missile smaller than MANPADS using optical guidance.
For a quicker development, the platform will be derived from the DO-DT25 UAV which is also a hint about the limits of what missiles can be used considering the size.
LOAD’s maiden flight is planned for the end of 2025, with IOC set for 2027, as it will use existing components, also free of ITAR.
Airbus Develops LOAD Interceptor UAV Against Other UAVs
