a CH-47D into a special missions MH-47E.--Stephen V Cole

Dassault of France has begun flight testing of a sub-scale UAV. The Aeronef Validation Experimentale or AVE is 2.4m long with a wingspan of 2.4m. It has a maximum weight at takeoff of 60kg, and can fly 150km at 200km/hour. While this small technology demonstrator is not intended to become an operational recon drone, the company hopes that the French government will fund further development, resulting in attack aircraft able to serve alongside French fighters.--Stephen V