ALSR performed hot weather tests in Djibouti.
From 30 April to 10 May, one of the two new Beech 350ER/ALSR (avions légers de surveillance et de reconnaissance) owned by the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace, carried out a test campaign in Djibouti (Horn of Africa). The climate conditions in Djibouti are very demanding and comparable to those encountered in the Sahel.
The ALSR, also called Vador (vecteur aéroporté de désignation, d'observation et de reconnaissance), is operated by the airborne electronic squadron 1/54 Dunkerque (Escadron électronique aéroporté) at Base aérienne 105 Evreux/Fauville (BA105).
This ALSR is based on a twin-engine Beechcraft King Air 350 type aircraft, equipped with sensors to collect electromagnetic intelligence (ROEM) and image origin intelligence (ROIM).
It is a complementary tool to the intelligence resources already existing within the French forces. The first two aircraft, F-RACG (c/n FL-1018) and F-RACH (c/n FL-1030) were delivered in August and December 2020.
The new aircraft should join Operation Barkane soon and be engaged on national territory within the permanent air security posture [DPSA] mission. The ALSR is capable of performing intelligence missions with a small logistical footprint and a facility of deployment.
The programme experienced a significant delay while the two aircraft were ordered in 2016 from Thales associated with Sabena Aerospace. They will support the two C-160 'Gabriel' of the 1/54 squadron, which have been in high demand in recent years and the Reaper drones.
The government ordered a third Vador (c/n FL-479) to be delivered in 2023 to maintain jobs in the aviation industry. These equipment will allow waiting until 2025 when three Falcon 8X 'Archange' (Avions de Renseignement à CHArge utile de Nouvelle GEnération) and no more rely on commercial companies like CAE Aviation.
Photos: Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace