In February 2006, unofficial photo's emerged of the EADS Barracuda - sometimes referred to as Barrakuda - unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator.
According to the German newspaper Der Spiegel the Barracuda is developed as a reconnaissance aircraft, but could be modified to serve as a fighter/ strike drone as well. The aircraft had been shown to the head of the German air force. EADS is eager to enter a business that is currently dominated by the United States and Israel, Spiegel said.
The drome is modelled after the highly successfull American Predator UAV. According to the paper the Barracuda will make it's maiden flight in February 2006, in a remote part of the Iberian Peninsula.
The picture above shows German and Spanish flags on the tail, indicating a joint venture between the two countries' militaries on the project.
The drone is believed to be around the same size as Boeing's X-45, which has a wingspan of 10.3m (33ft 10in) and a length of 8 meters, which would make it Europe's largest unmanned air vehicle.
According to Janes Defence Review, it is reportedly powered by a Snecma/Turbomeca Larzac engine, but the size of the exhaust suggests a larger engine (such as the Honeywell F124 used on the X-45A, or a Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca Adour).
| Version | Barracuda |
| Manufacturer | EADS |
| Country | Germany & Spain |
| Type | unmanned combat air vehicle/ demonstrator |
| Powerplant | Snecma/Turbomeca Larzac engine (possibly) |
| Thrust | 5,000 - 7,000 lbs class Around 30kN |
| Length | Around 24ft 8m |
| Height | n/a |
| Wingspan | Around 33.10ft 10m |
| Weight | n/a |
| Speed | High subsonic |
| Ceiling | n/a |
| Crew | unmanned |
| Unit cost | n/a |
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