Aviation & Defence Universe: ECA Group’s turn key solutions for all defence applications popular by

Published on Aviation & Defence Universe, March 2017

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Written by Chaitali Hadler Bag

ECA Group equips nine of the 10 largest armies in the world with its robotic solutions, combining its expertise in designing drones operating on water – USVs, under water – AUVs, ROVs , on land – UGVs and in the air - UAVs, and in developing integrated systems, in order to develop a comprehensive range of solutions adapted to the needs of the armed forces. 

Guenael Guillerme, Director General- CEO, ECA group in an exclusive interview to Aviation & Defence Universe(ADU) at IDEX/NAVDEX 2017 declares: 

We are setting here a subsidiary in order to be closer to our customers, to understand their requirements better and to meet those needs in a better way, especially by support

We have been providing both French and UK navies with MCM subsea robots for nearly 40 years We are proud that our wide and unique experience in Autonomous Underwater Vehicles is recognized by these two navies in MMCM program.

ECA group with BE Mauric, a naval architect bureau newly integrated in the group, showcased  their offer in our NAVDEX booth. This company is able to design any ship and will help integrate it better with the group's naval drones on these ships in better way. Guenael Guillerme further stated that this was very important in order to widen its range of USVs (unmanned surface vehicles)  and enable to design specifically for customers' needs,” 

ECA Group is developing a research programme on "robotic systems of the future". It aims at improving the capabilities and performance of all its already existing robotized solutions. Its more than 20 years presence in the Aerospace industry, together with the group' skills in the fields of Robotics, integrated systems and automation enables to meet the needs of aeronautics manufacturers, airlines, repair and maintenance centres and air defence. Guilerme adds:

We partner with Prodways and complete the Additive Manufacturing / 3D printing offer for the Aerospace sector for production, inspection and maintenance tools. It gives us an edge of offering end-to-end solutions to the customers

ECA Group’s CBRN (chemical, biological radiation and nuclear) UGV products are also popular amongst the forces of the world.Guillerme informed.

We have sold these kind of robots to several customers in France and abroad. Customers all around the world are using them to detect potential strikes in terms of nuclear and chemical

ECA Group provides a complete range of operation and training simulators for missions using the latest technologies. Guillerme informs:

With its expertise in drones and robots, the ECA Group creates a Training Simulation Department in order to train tomorrow’s operators, sailors, pilots and drivers.

Yes, there always have been a support system to all our products. Air maintenance systems for aircraft, ship engine rooms, submarine control systems, etc.,

The expertise of the Group in terms of integrated systems and simulators enables the company to meet customer requirements for either naval or maritime vessels as well as aircraft for the education and training of personnel in the maintenance of facilities and equipment 

Answering a question on the company’s operations in India he said: 

ECA Group sold different kind of solutions in the past. We have several propositions and are hopeful that there will be a time when support and sales shall require more presence in the country. Moreover, there is the "Make in India" program and this will make some solutions to settle in India although I don’t know when.”

The CEO was happy with the company’s presence and response of customers at IDEX & NAVDEX 2017.

Lot’s of things are new at IDEX. It is a very big exhibition with lot of people coming and we are able to raise the ability to meet all the military of the area which is very important for us. We are present on NAVDEX and IDEX for different customers

We have integrated some capacity for the  AUV operators to select within all images the most interesting ones, so as to faciliate the data download from the AUV and classify it quikly.