Thales to support Qatar Armed Forces’ OPV-A development programme

Thales has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to assist in the development of an optionally piloted vehicle – aircraft (OPV-A) for the Qatar Armed Forces.

Thales will also deliver a full end-to-end training solution in addition to assisting in the development of manned or unmanned airframe.

The OPV-A is a high performance intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) system.

The Qatar Armed Forces selected the OPV-A airframe with integrated mission systems capability to enable the optionally piloted capability.

Thales UK CEO Victor Chavez said, "This is an exciting prospect that Thales is looking forward to developing with the Qatar Armed Forces. Our experience in mission systems and unmanned air vehicles will provide Qatar with a world leading solution. "

Unimpeded by a human’s physiological limitations, an OPV can operate as a conventional aircraft during missions for which direct human control is preferred or desired as an immediate option.

The OPV-A, a hybrid between a conventional aircraft and an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), can fly with or without a pilot on board the aircraft.

Additionally, the OPV can operate under more adverse conditions and/or for greater endurance times while retaining on-board controls.