Safran Electronics & Defense and Edge Autonomy proudly present Lanner, a new configuration of the Penguin Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) during the exhibition Eurosatory 2024. The Lanner configuration is based on the field-proven Penguin UAS platform and has been specifically modified to meet the requirements of the SDTL (Light Tactical Drone System) program for the French armed forces. In this configuration, the Penguin drone can address multiple missions through a simultaneous dual payload capability, including Electro-Optical/Infra-Red systems, electronic warfare (detection of radio signals or jamming for example), radar, and ammunitions. It can thus carry out land and maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Developed and produced in Europe, the Lanner configuration establishes Safran Electronics & Defense and Edge Autonomy as the European leaders in tactical UAVs. This partnership supports Safran Electronics & Defense response to the SDTL call for tenders to equip the French armed forces. The capabilities of the two companies offer a unique combination of proven experience and technological innovation for a complete range of tactical UAS capable of meeting the full spectrum of operational needs of the French Ministry of Armed Forces and partner nations.
“Safran Electronics & Defense worked with Edge Autonomy to customize the Penguin drone with specific enhancements meeting the unique and demanding needs of the Ministry of the Armed Forces. Penguin is a high-performance drone, combat-proven with tens of thousands of flight hours under a wide variety of conditions”, said Alexandre Ziegler, Executive VP, Defense Global Business Unit of Safran Electronics & Defense.
“We are excited to partner with Safran Electronics & Defense to offer a world-class UAS to the French armed forces. The Lanner configuration capitalizes on the field-proven capabilities of Edge Autonomy’s Penguin UAS along with Safran’s system expertise in optronics, PNT (position, navigation, and timing), UAV airworthiness, and mission systems”, said Josh Stinson, Chief Growth Officer for Edge Autonomy,
Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers on-board intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, to reduce mental load and to guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 12,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets. Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 92 000 employees and sales of 23.2 billion euros in 2023, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.
Edge Autonomy is a leader in providing innovative autonomous systems, advanced optics, and resilient energy solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Federal Civilian Agencies, allied governments, academic institutions, and commercial entities. We believe that innovation – in all forms, from all sources, and at all stages of development – creates solutions that enable mission success. The company uncrewed technologies are used in nearly 80 countries by government, commercial, and academic customers. Edge Autonomy has a team of 600 employees and draws on nearly four decades of proven aerospace engineering, manufacturing expertise, and advanced technology. With headquarters in San Luis Obispo, CA and nearly 300,000 square feet of manufacturing and production capabilities across the U.S. and abroad, Edge Autonomy’s experienced team delivers mission-focused results around the world.
