Drone manufacturer Quantum Systems and Fraunhofer FHR pool radar research in strategic partnership

Drone manufacturer Quantum Systems and the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR will cooperate strategically in future – the partnership was announced at the Wachtberg Forum. According to a current press release, the cooperation marks “an important step towards integrating advanced radar and high-frequency technologies into next-generation unmanned aircraft systems”.

At its heart is to be a joint research and technology study, in which the Bundeswehr Technical Center 81 (Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 81) is also involved. Above all, it will test an innovative millimetre-wave synthetic aperture radar (mmW SAR) sensor developed by Fraunhofer FHR, which Quantum Systems is now to integrate into its Trinity Pro platform. This technology produces high-resolution synthetic aperture radar images regardless of the weather. The platform's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities thus grow considerably.

The partnership also opens new perspectives in radar signal processing, signals detection, jam-resistant radar and electronic countermeasures. Future development work will likewise address radar cross section (RCS) and signature measurement.

Drone manufacturer moves to Rheinbach

To expand the cooperation further, Quantum Systems plans to set up an R&D office in Rheinbach – right next to Fraunhofer FHR. The aim is to pool expertise in high-frequency technology and radar sensors in the long term.

Stefan Brüggenwirth, who heads the multifunctional RF and radar systems division at FHR, stresses the significance of the partnership: “Florian Seibel and I have known each other since our doctoral studies together at the University of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) in Munich. This agreement lays the foundation for a strong, lasting cooperation. Our goal as a Fraunhofer institute is to put research results into practice close to industry – especially with small and medium-sized enterprises.”

Quantum Systems co-CEO Florian Seibel is also optimistic:
“We are delighted to advance SAR, electronic warfare (EW) and radar signature (RCS) in the field of unmanned systems in Germany together with FHR. I am convinced that we will develop innovative products in the near future and market them successfully internationally.”