Calidus B250

The Calidus B-250 is a tandem-seat, turboprop light attack and counter-insurgency aircraft designed by Novaer in Brazil and produced by Calidus in the United Arab Emirates. Constructed entirely of carbon fiber to reduce structural weight, the low-wing aircraft was designed by Joseph Kovács, who also created the Embraer Tucano. The type was ordered for service by the United Arab Emirates Air Force in 2019.

Development

The B-250 project originated in Brazil with design and development by Novaer, with serial manufacturing established under Calidus in the United Arab Emirates. Chief designer Joseph Kovács led the design effort. At the 2019 Dubai Airshow, the United Arab Emirates Air Force signed a contract for 24 aircraft. In May 2024, discussions took place between UAE and Indonesian leadership regarding a joint program to convert the B-250 into a combat drone. The planned uncrewed variant involves Indonesian component manufacturing, assembly in Jakarta, and the integration of bi-national avionics, surveillance systems, and EDGE Group Al Tariq and Thunder missiles.

Design

The B-250 is a cantilever low-wing monoplane featuring an all-carbon-fiber structure, retractable tricycle landing gear, and an enclosed cockpit with two Martin-Baker ejection seats in tandem. Power is provided by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68 turboprop engine mounted in a tractor configuration, producing 1,200 kW (1,600 shp). Flight avionics consist of the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion II system, integrated with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor capabilities. The airframe measures 10.98 m in length, 12.09 m in wingspan, and 3.79 m in height. Performance specifications include a maximum speed of 557 km/h, a clean cruise speed of 520 km/h, a service ceiling of 9,100 m, a ferry range of 2,400 km, and a flight endurance of 12 hours.

Armament

The B-250 features seven external hardpoints with a total payload capacity of 1,800 kg (3,960 lb). The hardpoints accommodate weapons systems and EO/IR sensor pods. In a operational configuration consisting of four laser-guided bombs, two air-to-air missiles, and one external drop tank, the aircraft has a combat radius of 560 km. The proposed uncrewed combat variant is designed to employ EDGE Group Al Tariq and Thunder (formerly P3) missiles.

Operational History

The United Arab Emirates Air Force ordered 24 B-250 aircraft during the 2019 Dubai Airshow. The United Arab Emirates Air Force is the primary operator of the type.