AEL
Aero Electronics Ltd
AEL (RPV) Ltd
Contents
History
Aero Electronics Ltd, of Horley, Surrey, were initially solely an aviation electronics company.
Recognising the need for a realistic aerial target for air defence weapon systems when, in these days of ever escalating costs, the use of a full size manned aircraft or highly sophisticated drone became increasingly less attractive, AEL developed a series of RPVs culminating in the Snipe target. In or about 1977, the earlier target designs preceeding the Snipe were transferred to RCS Guided Weapons Systems of Hounslow while AEL concentrated on the Snipe, producing the Mk's 1, 2 and 3. The company changed its name to AEL(RPV) Ltd on 18 March 1983 and later to Snipe International Ltd on 17 January 1989.
As aerial targets, these aircraft are considered outside the scope of this website.
In 1982, in conjunction with Ferranti, AEL began development of its first surveillance RPV, followed by its own Hawkeye and Sparrowhawk systems.
AEL was taken over by the Meggitt Corporation on 18 May 1995, becoming Flight Refuelling Targets Ltd, under whom production continued with the Mks 4, 5 and 15.
Company References
- Jane’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Targets, 2009
- Sitting Ducks and Peeping Toms, Michael I. Draper (Air Britain Publications, 2011)
Project Data
| Project No | Type No | Name | Alternative Name(s) | Year | Spec (Requirement) | Status | Qty | Description | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FA-25 (note 1) | 1982 | Proto? | ?? | Unmanned surveillance RPV | 1 | ||||
| Hawkeye | 1983 | Proto? | ?? | Unmanned surveillance RPV | 1 | ||||
| AEL4800 | Sparrowhawk | 1984 | Prdn? | ?? | Unmanned surveillance RPV | 2,3 |
Project Notes
- In conjunction with Ferranti.
Project References
- Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 1984-1985, ed. John W R Taylor
- Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 1985-1986, ed. John W R Taylor
- Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 1986-1987, ed. John W R Taylor
Production Details and Type Description
Designed primarily for surveillance RPV applications, but can be used as a general purpose RPV w ith a high payload capability and good endurance. It is designed for low detection signatures and low cost modular construction allows rapid assemny of stored aircraft and rapid replacement of faulty parts. Design and constructional methods are related to those of the AEL Snipe target drones.
The first of two prototypes made its initial flight in November 1982. and development was continuing in 1983. One 28 h.p. NGL WAM 342 two- cylinder two-stroke engine. No further details.
| Specification | |||||||||
| Span | Length | Height | Wing Area | Empty Wt | Max AUW | Cruise Speed | Maximum Speed | Range | Service Ceiling |
| 12 ft 2 in | 9 ft 6 in | 127 lb | 238 lb | 124 mph/ 108 kn | 372 mi | ||||
| 3.71 m | 2.9 m | 58 kg | 108 kg | 200 km/h | 599 km | ||||
A rugged and simple surveillance RPV, designed to operate at brigade or equipment level, with a fast response and turnaround time coupled with the minimum of ground support.
A Prototype was flown in 1983. No known c/n or serial.
Battlefield surveillance mini-RPV with a glassfibre reinforced plastics fuselage and foam core marine ply wings. One 25 h.p. NGL WAM 342 flat-twin engine. driving a two-blade propeller.
| Specification | |||||||||
| Span | Length | Height | Wing Area | Empty Wt | Max AUW | Cruise Speed | Maximum Speed | Range | Service Ceiling |
| 10 ft 7 in | 9 ft 1 in | 186 mph/ 162 kn | 31 mi | ||||||
| 3.23 m | 2.77 m | 299 km/h | 50 km | ||||||
An unknown number supplied from 1986 to the French Army. No known c/ns or serials.
Total AEL Production??
Page Revision History
Revised at Version 2.0.0- Deleted targets.
- Added Ferranti-AEL FA-25 and AEL Hawkeye.
- Added Type Description and Specification details.
- Added reference to RCS Guided Weapons Systems
- Added additional Type numbers to Falcon, Merlin and Heron