EADS Tracker

The EADS Tracker, developed by Cassidian—a former division of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS)—is a medium‑altitude, long‑endurance unmanned aerial vehicle introduced in 2012. Its development began in 2008 as a response to growing demand for persistent surveillance over both civilian and military theatres. Drawing on Cassidian’s heritage in reconnaissance aircraft, the Tracker combines a carbon‑fiber airframe with a twin‑engine turboprop layout, allowing a maximum endurance of 36 hours at 25,000 feet and a payload capacity of 250 kilograms. Key features include an integrated electro‑optical/infrared sensor suite, synthetic‑aperture radar, and a modular communications package that supports real‑time data link to ground stations. The aircraft’s autonomous flight‑control system provides launch‑and‑recover capability from austere runways, while its low acoustic signature enhances survivability in contested airspace. Since entering service with several European defense forces and NATO partners, the Tracker has been pivotal in border‑security missions, disaster‑relief mapping, and maritime patrol, demonstrating the value of high‑endurance UAVs in modern aviation. Its success cemented Cassidian’s reputation as a leading provider of next‑generation ISR platforms. Production runs continued through 2020, with each unit priced near €12 million, and a 2023 upgrade introduced advanced AI‑driven target recognition, extending its operational relevance into the next decade.