DT26 Line
Delair · France · also known as DT26, DT26E Surveillance, DT26E Tactical, DT26 Open Payload · Updated
DT26 Line is a family of fixed-wing tactical UAVs developed by Delair of France, offered in Surveillance, Tactical and Open Payload configurations built on a common 15-18 kg airframe. All three share a gyrostabilised electro-optical/infrared camera and about 170 minutes of endurance, and are designed for rapid field deployment rather than fixed-site operation.
Overview
Delair, a Toulouse-based fixed-wing UAV manufacturer, positions the DT26 Line for border surveillance, reconnaissance and tactical ISR missions, alongside its larger DT61 VTOL and electric DT46 products. The line's three current variants share the same basic airframe and endurance but differ in sensor emphasis, communication range and intended role.
Design and capabilities
All three DT26 variants are quoted by Delair at up to 170 minutes (2.83 hours) of endurance and an 8-minute deployment time. The DT26E Surveillance variant weighs 15 kg, carries a gyrostabilised EO/IR camera, and has a communication range of 30 km, aimed at long-range monitoring of sensitive areas. The DT26E Tactical variant shares the same 15 kg weight and EO/IR camera but extends communication range to 50 km, packaged by Delair as a rugged, low-signature mini-drone. The DT26 Open Payload variant has a maximum weight of 18 kg and is built as an airborne test bed: it supports third-party sensors such as ASIO and Merio gimbals, IMSI equipment and monochrome cameras, with a 30 km communication range, letting customers integrate their own payload rather than Delair's standard camera.
Operational history
Delair markets the DT26 Line for security, defence and special-operations customers, alongside geospatial surveying and mapping work across its wider product range. Delair has not published named military operators or unit-level deployment details for the DT26 Line.
Frequently asked questions
What is the endurance of the DT26 Line?
Delair quotes up to 170 minutes (about 2.8 hours) of flight endurance across all three DT26 variants.
What is the difference between DT26E Surveillance and DT26E Tactical?
Both weigh 15 kg and carry the same gyrostabilised EO/IR camera; the Tactical variant has a longer 50 km communication range against 30 km for Surveillance, and is packaged as a more rugged, low-signature airframe.
What is the DT26 Open Payload for?
It is a field-proven fixed-wing airframe, up to 18 kg, built to carry a customer's own sensor payload (such as ASIO, Merio, IMSI or monochrome cameras) rather than Delair's standard camera.
How quickly can the DT26 be deployed?
Delair states an 8-minute deployment time for all three DT26 variants.
