Barracuda
Barracuda by EADS Defence, Germany.
The EADS Barracuda is a European unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) currently under development by EADS, intended for the role of reconnaissance and also combat (UCAV). The aircraft is a joint venture between Germany and Spain.
Development of the project was stopped after the first prototype crashed while approaching for landing during a test flight. The program was resumed in 2008, with a second prototype being completed in November 2008. The rebuilt Barracuda underwent a series of successful flight tests in Goose Bay, Canada during July 2009.
The Barracuda is primarily in competition with the Dassault nEUROn for strategic and defensive contracts. Both are stealthy and have a maximum air speed of around Mach 0.85 . While Germany and Spain are behind the Barracuda, France and Sweden are funding the nEUROn. Not much is known about the Barracuda as it is still in development. However the Barracuda is thought to have an operating ceiling of around 20,000 ft and carries a maximum payload of 300 kg.
- Length: 27 ft 0 in (8.25 m)
- Wingspan: 23.7 ft in (7.22 m)
- Height: ft in (m)
- Wing area: ft (m)
- Empty weight: lb (2300 kg)
- Loaded weight: lb (kg)
- Useful load: lb (kg)
- Max takeoff weight: lb (3250 kg)
Performance
- Never exceed speed: mph (km/h)
- Maximum speed: 0.85 mach (km/h)
- Cruise speed: mph (km/h)
- Stall speed: mph (km/h)
- Range: mi (km)
- Service ceiling: ±20,000 ft (m)
- Rate of climb: ft/min (m/s)
- Wing loading: lb/ft² (kg/m²)
