The IT180 is a French mini VTOL UAV originally developed by Infotron and later by ECA Group, using patented contra-rotating coaxial three-blade rotors (1.8 m rotor diameter). The STH-U is part of the IT180 family offered in electric and gasoline (long-endurance) versions for ISTAR/ISR missions. It has been deployed operationally, including securing French ISAF convoys in Afghanistan.
| Country | France |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | VTOL / Hybrid |
| Subtype | VTOL coaxial mini helicopter UAV |
| Role | Tactical ISR rotorcraft UAV |
| Classification | Mini VTOL UAS (helicopter) |
| Mission | ISR / ISTAR, Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Convoy security |
| Datalink | Up to 30 km communication range |
| Variants | IT180-60 (electric); IT180-120/STH-U (gasoline); IT180-3EL-I; IT180-5 |
| MTOW (kg) | 21 |
| Operators | French armed forces (and others) |
| Frame type | Helicopter / single-rotor |
| Propulsion | Electric or gasoline (variant-dependent) |
| Range (km) | 30 |
| Wingspan (m) | 1.8 |
| Combat-proven | Yes |
| Export status | Export (Europe) |
| Launch method | VTOL |
| Autonomy level | Autonomous/waypoint VTOL |
| Endurance (min) | 120 |
| Recovery method | VTOL |
| Max payload (kg) | 5 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 60 |
| Standard sensors | EO/IR gimbal, Modular payloads |
| Production status | Production |
| Notable engagements | Secured French ISAF troop convoys in Afghanistan |
| Service ceiling (m) | 3000 |
| Conflicts deployed in | Afghanistan (ISAF) |
| Airframe / lift type | VTOL hybrid – quadplane |
| Control / autonomy level | Waypoint / GPS-guided |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Electric (LiPo / Li-ion), ICE – petrol |
| Range / endurance | Close range (5–50 km, 1–6 hrs) |
| Signature / detectability | GNSS-dependent, RCS – small |
| Speed regime | Medium (50–150 km/h) |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class I – Small (20–150 kg), FAA <25 kg (Part 107) |