Quantum Systems Makes Reliant Reconnaissance Drone More Capable And Enduring

Quantum Systems has upgraded its long-range Reliant reconnaissance drone, increasing its payload capacity and expanding its mission capabilities.

Quantum Systems told Militarnyi about the development.

The drone has also been integrated into the MOSAIC UxS digital ecosystem, designed to coordinate and control unmanned systems of various types and from different manufacturers.

The new generation of Reliant drones is equipped with a hybrid-electric propulsion system and has an increased payload capacity of up to 9 kg, allowing it to perform a wider range of missions.

The upgraded Reliant has a maximum takeoff weight of 45 kg and an endurance of more than 10 hours. Its flight speed reaches about 25 m/s, while the maximum permitted wind speed is 15 m/s.

The drone is equipped with a vertical takeoff and landing system and requires an area of only 10 × 10 meters. This allows it to operate without specialized launch and recovery infrastructure and makes it suitable for operations from ships.

Depending on operational requirements, the Reliant can now carry an electro-optical system, laser designators, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for surface reconnaissance, electronic intelligence and electronic warfare systems, satellite communications equipment, as well as relay systems.

Despite its expanded capabilities, the Reliant retains minimal logistical requirements thanks to simple packaging options, the ability for a two-person team to prepare the system for operation, and control by a single operator.

Another feature of the Reliant is its fully European supply chain, meaning the system contains no Chinese components and is not subject to U.S. ITAR restrictions.

In November 2025, Quantum Systems was developing an FPV drone carrier based on the Reliant drone for the U.S. market.

The platform was planned to be equipped with U.S.-made Archer FPV drones from Neros Technologies, capable of carrying up to 2 kg of payload over a distance of more than 20 km.

Thanks to hardpoints on each wing, this version of the Reliant drone can also carry additional electronic modules and release munitions or other payloads.