German Vector and Reliant Drones Will Be Equipped with Radars for Reconnaissance in the Dark and Through Clouds

The German Vector and Reliant unmanned aerial vehicles will be capable of conducting radar reconnaissance using synthetic aperture radar (SAR).

The integration of this new technology will enable observation in complete darkness and through dense cloud cover, said Florian Seibel, CEO of Quantum Systems.

He noted that the developers have received the first test results from their proprietary SAR radar, which operates in conjunction with the MOSAIC data post-processing module. The new equipment will be installed by replacing the standard optoelectronic pod with a special nose fairing.

The Reliant is a long-range unmanned aerial vehicle with a hybrid-electric power plant.

The aircraft has a wingspan of 4.3 meters, a length of 2.38 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 45 kg with a payload capacity of up to 9 kg.

The Reliant UAV has a flight endurance of over 10 hours, an operational speed of about 25 m/s, and a data transmission range of up to 160 km. The aircraft’s maximum flight altitude reaches 4,500 meters above sea level, and it can withstand winds of up to 15 m/s.

The reconnaissance UAV is equipped with electro-optical and infrared cameras, along with a laser rangefinder, a target designator, and an illuminator. In addition, the aircraft supports a range of payloads, including electronic warfare (EW) modules, electronic signals intelligence (ELINT) systems, and SATCOM satellite communications.

Vector, on the other hand, is a smaller medium-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of vertical takeoff and landing. It is designed to perform reconnaissance and surveillance missions. The aircraft has a wingspan of 2.8 meters, a length of 1.5 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 9.5 kg. It can be deployed by a single person without the use of additional tools.

The Vector’s design allows for rapid transformation from an airplane-type configuration to a multicopter. The UAV can remain airborne for over 180 minutes, reach speeds of 15 to 20 m/s, and operate at a distance of over 60 km via a communication channel with AES 256 encryption.

The Vector’s onboard equipment includes the Next Vision Raptor optoelectronic and infrared system with a 360° field of view.

Data processing is handled by two NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX computing modules, and thanks to the USB-C Multiconnector interface, it is possible to install radio-technical reconnaissance payloads and CRPA modules.

The drone is actively used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.