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Dual-use reconnaissance drone manufacturer Quantum-Systems has confirmed previously unreleased artificial intelligence sensor upgrades will be deployed to Ukraine.
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The Munich-headquartered global manufacturer, with business locations in the United States, Australia, and Ukraine, has announced for the first time there will be deployment of “Receptor AI” sensor upgrades in Ukraine.
The new upgrade kit, based on a Jetson Orin Nvidia chip and several sensors for the Vector reconnaissance drone, will allow better object detection, classification, identification and tracking of objects.
In addition, further development enables optical navigation during the day, at night, and in poor visibility conditions as well as automated AI-supported object recognition and identification.
“We are demonstrating that AI does not have to be an abstract topic, but offers tangible benefits in use,” Quantum-Systems chief revenue officer and managing director Sven Kruck said.
“For Quantum-Systems, the combination of hardware and software is crucial to being able to offer market-leading solutions in the field of aerial intelligence.”
The new Quantum-Systems upgrade offers a further option for signal-independent positioning of reconnaissance drones and fundamentally improves their use under GNSS-denied conditions. The new module is being tested and further developed at the company’s recently opened development site in Ukraine.
“Receptor AI” enables autonomous flight at night and in bad weather thanks to infrared-supported visual navigation. Object sensor technology has also been significantly improved.
“We are implementing the upgrade without any weight changes and with the same range,” said Daniel Kneifel, director of software engineering at Quantum-Systems.
“We are designing these adaptations without fundamental changes to the existing platform architecture.”
Earlier this month, the Australian government announced it would invest more than $100 million to boost the ADF’s arsenal of drones, ensuring Australian military personnel are provided with cutting-edge lethal and non-lethal capabilities.
The acquisition of two small uncrewed aerial systems (SUAS) is expected to bolster the ADF’s ability to carry out surveillance and reconnaissance and augments the ADF’s existing stock of drones, including those with multiple payload options.
The Quantum-Systems Vector 2-in-1 and the Sypaq Systems CorvoX will enhance ADF force protection and potency capabilities across land and littoral operations by supporting the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force in confined areas, including small marine craft, and urban environments. Both systems can be deployed as a complement to crewed systems.
Quantum-Systems Australia was awarded two contracts under DEF129-SUAS, formerly known as LAND 129 Phase 4B, totalling $90 million.
The award, signed 24 April 2024 in Brisbane, Queensland, is comprised of an acquisition contract to provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with Vector/Scorpion 2-in-1 fixed-wing eVTOL SUAS and a support contract for the provision of training, maintenance, engineering, supply and logistics, and support services. Delivery will begin April 2025 with support services continuing into 2031.
The acquisition and support contracts will have significant work and delivery elements performed by Quantum-Systems Australia in Redbank, Queensland, providing in-country capability for contract execution and contribution to the local economy with a focus on supporting Indigenous enterprises, SMEs, and entities promoting veteran employment.
The Vector 2-in-1 fixed-wing eVTOL UAS delivers real-time, high-resolution video for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It is a rucksack portable solution that can be operational in three minutes and take-off and land in confined spaces without the need for additional tools or equipment. It can alternatively be configured as the Scorpion multi-copter by removing the wings and tail and attaching a separate set of booms and props.
“We are honoured to be selected by the Commonwealth of Australia to equip Army combat teams with our advanced SUAS that will provide them with the enhanced situational awareness and increased force protection they require,” Quantum-Systems chief executive officer Dave Sharpin said.
"We will continue to actively identify further opportunities for Australian industry, reinforcing our dedication to nurturing local talent and enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities.”
In addition, Quantum-Systems Australia recently opened its 22,755 square-foot manufacturing facility in March 2024, signifying a long-term commitment to Australia and dedication to fostering the creation, enhancement, and maintenance of Australian industry capabilities. The company is estimating up to 50 new engineering, manufacturing and administrative jobs for the area over the next five years to support its wider business growth plan in the Asia-Pacific region.
