CORSARIO Project: the Satellite Communications System for the helicopters of the future

Madrid, February 26, 2024.

  • A project funded by the CDTI (Spain’s agency that funds and supports tech innovation in companies) and supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, as part of the 2023 Aeronautical Technology Program under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
  • Led by Inster–Grupo Oesía, in collaboration with Airbus Helicopters Spain, Tecnobit–Grupo Oesía, and ANZEN Engineering as industrial partners.
  • Its goal is to develop a new SATCOM system for rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters), addressing current data transmission limitations through advanced electronic beam steering technology.

Inster–Grupo Oesía, together with Airbus Helicopters Spain, Tecnobit–Grupo Oesía, and ANZEN Engineering, have launched the CORSARIO project, aimed at developing a satellite communication (SATCOM) system for rotary-wing aircraft capable of transmitting large volumes of data efficiently and without interference.

This initiative seeks to enhance helicopter communications in missions such as search and rescue, surveillance, and other dual-use applications.

Developed within an industrial consortium framework, the project also includes collaboration with three research organizations: the Aeronautical Technologies Center Foundation (CTA), Tecnalia Research & Innovation Foundation (TECNALIA), and the Andalusian Foundation for Aerospace Development (FADA).

Tackling SATCOM challenges in rotary-wing aircraft applications

Currently, rotary-wing aircraft rely on beyond-line-of-sight communications and SATCOM systems with limited bandwidth, restricting their ability to transmit large amounts of data.

In addition, current platforms use mechanically steered antennas (MSAs), which require bulky equipment. This negatively impacts aerodynamics, increases weight, reduces aircraft efficiency, and raises fuel consumption. Furthermore, the periodic blockage of SATCOM signals by rotor blades represents a risk of communication loss.

CORSARIO: Leading the way in innovation, communication security, and environmental sustainability in the aerospace sector

CORSARIO is designed to overcome these technical challenges. It targets operating on wide-spectrum and high-frequency bands optimized for high-volume data transmission. The new SATCOM system will use electronically steered antenna (ESA) technology and will rely on geostationary satellite constellations (GEO) to ensure uninterrupted ground coverage.

From an environmental perspective, CORSARIO introduces a flat-design ESA to reduce aerodynamic drag and eliminate signal interference from rotor blades. This configuration also minimizes antenna size and weight, making aircraft lighter and more fuel-efficient, thereby reducing emissions and promoting sustainability in the aerospace industry.

Ultimately, CORSARIO will strengthen Spain’s position at the forefront of next-generation communication systems for aerospace applications.

A research-industry consortium funded by European recovery funds

To meet the project’s objectives, the consortium brings together top-tier companies with complementary expertise and proven experience in overcoming the complex technological challenges the aerospace industry has yet to fully address.

The project is led by Inster–Grupo Oesía, a specialist in radio communications, responsible for in-depth analysis and research on satellite antennas for rotary-wing platforms, preliminary simulations, and the design, manufacturing, and validation of the new technology.

The consortium also includes:

  • Airbus Helicopters Spain, serving as the integrator of the project’s solutions.
  • Tecnobit–Grupo Oesía, focused on the design, development, and integration of communication control components. It is developing a new processor and centralized antenna control unit (ACU), as well as integrating the modem with other systems and conducting real-world testing.
  • ANZEN Engineering, a leader in safety and reliability engineering, will ensure the system’s dependability and compliance. ANZEN is also responsible for implementing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), a key enabler for process automation and multidisciplinary integration within a unified engineering model.

The CORSARIO project is part of the 2023 Aeronautical Technology Program (PTA), supported by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the Spanish Recovery Plan, due to its innovation and technological advancement. It is co-funded by the CDTI.

Executive remarks

Carlos Founaud, Director of R&D at Grupo Oesía, stated:
“Our company drives research and development projects at low TRLs, working closely across our brands to deliver innovations that positively impact society and support our mission of building a better, safer, more efficient, and sustainable world.”

Miguel Díaz, Director of Inster–Grupo Oesía, added:
“Through this project, we aim to strengthen Spain’s satellite communications sovereignty and position our aerospace industry as a global leader in innovation.”

Pablo de la Cruz, CEO of ANZEN Engineering, emphasized:
“Certifying that the system meets strict safety and reliability standards is critical to the success of any prototype and its eventual market deployment. Participating in a project of CORSARIO’s magnitude, with strong institutional backing, is both an exciting challenge and a unique opportunity to help transform the aerospace sector. We also expect to make significant progress in validating MBSE and MBSA as new design paradigms for the industry.”


About Grupo Oesía

Grupo Oesía is a Spanish multinational specializing in technological and digital engineering, delivering projects in more than 40 countries. With over 3,200 professionals and 18 corporate offices across Europe, Latin America, and Asia, it has been innovating for more than 48 years, creating products and services that benefit over 2 billion people worldwide. Its mission is to build a better, more efficient, secure, and sustainable world.

The company is organized into five highly specialized brands:

  • Oesía Networks, focused on digital transformation.
  • Tecnobit–Grupo Oesía, providing advanced solutions in smart vision, simulation, and secure tactical communications.
  • Cipherbit–Grupo Oesía, Spain’s leading cybersecurity brand, developing secure communication systems certified by the CCN and NATO.
  • UAV Navigation–Grupo Oesía, specialized in guidance, navigation, and control systems for unmanned aerial vehicles.
  • Inster–Grupo Oesía, focused on satellite communications technology for land, sea, air, and space applications.
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About ANZEN Engineering

ANZEN Engineering is an international engineering company specialized in critical systems for the aerospace and defense sectors. Founded in 2019, it supports technically complex projects around the world, providing expertise in safety, reliability, airworthiness, ILS, cybersecurity, and MBSE. Its multidisciplinary team works with globally recognized standards, ensuring the certification and robustness of the platforms it supports. With a presence in Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East, ANZEN strengthens its position as a strategic, reliable, and independent partner committed to technical excellence and sustainable innovation.

About Airbus

Airbus is a pioneer in sustainable aerospace, striving to create a safe and connected world. The company continuously innovates to offer efficient and advanced solutions in aerospace, defense, and connected services. Airbus designs and manufactures modern, fuel-efficient commercial aircraft and provides related services. It is a European leader in space, defense, and security systems and offers effective civil and military helicopter solutions and services worldwide.

Media contact
Raquel Parra
r.parra@iprisma.es