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Airbus Expands U145 Ambitions To Armed Loyal Wingman
Airbus Helicopters is exploring an armed loyal-wingman version of its U145 uncrewed rotorcraft to accompany attack helicopters into combat. Derived from the H145, the U145 has a planned maximum take-off weight of 3,800 kg and a modular architecture originally presented for cargo transport, reconnaissance and other civil or military missions. Airbus is also working with MBDA on an air-launched-effects role, while the broader concept includes crewed-uncrewed teaming and autonomous mission management. A first flight with a safety pilot is planned by the end of 2026, with service entry targeted for the early 2030s; the armed variant remains a development concept.