GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Military Drones ·Sagem

Crécerelle

French reconnaissance UAV, developed in the 1990s, deployed in military operations including the Kosovo campaign. Key figures: top speed 240 km/h, service ceiling 3,100 m, max takeoff weight 120 kg.

Max speed
240km/h
Technical Specifications
Length2.4 m (7.9 ft)
Wingspan3.3 m (10.8 ft)
Height0.7 m (2.3 ft)
Max. takeoff weight120 kg (265 lbs)
Powerplant1 × WAE 342 19 kW each
Crécerelle scale diagram
Crécerelle — 3.3 m wingspan, 2.4 m long, against a 1.75 m human figure 1.75 m 3.3 m 2.4 m
Wingspan 3.3 m · Length 2.4 m · Height 0.7 m · Generic top view at true scale
Performance
Maximum speed240 km/h (149 mph)
Endurance5 hours
Service ceiling3,100 m (10,171 ft)
All Operators
🇫🇷 France

Description

The Sagem Crécerelle is a French reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed in the 1990s. Based on the Meggitt Banshee target drone, its airframe configuration features a clipped delta wing, a single tailfin, and a cylindrical fuselage. It is powered by a WAE 342 rotary engine, rated at 19 kW (25 hp) to 20 kW (26 hp), driving a pusher propeller. The aircraft lacks landing gear and is recovered using a parachute and airbags.

Design

The Crécerelle has a length of 2.40 meters, a wingspan of 3.30 meters, a height of 0.70 meters, and a gross weight of 120 kg. Performance parameters include a maximum speed of 240 km/h, a service ceiling of 3,100 meters, and an endurance of 5 hours.

Operational History

The aircraft is operated by the French Army and was deployed operationally by French forces during the Kosovo campaign in 1999.

Variants

  • Spectre: An equivalent version of the UAV marketed and sold by Meggitt.
Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and other open sources. Last updated on 6 July 2026. Suggest a change

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of aircraft is the Crécerelle?
The Sagem Crécerelle is a military drones aircraft developed by Sagem and entered service in 1999.
What is the maximum speed of the Crécerelle?
The Sagem Crécerelle has a maximum speed of 240 km/h (149 mph).
What is the service ceiling of the Crécerelle?
The Sagem Crécerelle has a service ceiling of 3,100 meters (10,170 feet). This is the maximum altitude at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight.
Compare This Aircraft
Crécerelle vs
Latest Data Updates
  1. JUL 62026 Created Page created: Crécerelle