SIDM (Système Intérimaire de Drone MALE) programme is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV system for the French Army. The system is based on an Eagle 1-platform of IAI (Israel Aircraft Industry), that, as overall system, has the task of securing ISR missions (intelligence, surveillance and recconnaissance) in all weather conditions. Equipped with a satellite communications link and being highly autonomous, the platform can undertake long-endurance missions for up to 12 hours on zone and at ranges of up to 1,000 km. The initial operational configuration includes an EO/IR camera and a laser designator as well as an SAR imaging radar. This is designed to evolve, with plans to integrate a passive electronic sensor and a Maritime Patrol Radar (MPR), which will give the SIDM system an additional maritime surveillance capability. The aerodynamic configuration selected ensures a substantial payload capacity (over 250 kg) and a mission time that is currently unmatched (24 hours). SIDM operates at an altitude of between 15,000 and 25,000 feet.
Since December 2007, an integrated team of personnel from the DGA (French Armaments Directorate) and the French Air Force has been carrying out verification of this UAV system consisting of three aerial vehicles, the payloads, the laser designator, two ground stations, the line-of-sigth (LOS) and satellite data link system. The follow on flight acceptance operations where successfully concluded in June 2008 with the system being transferred into the ownership of the French Ministry of Defence.
