Reconnaissance drone Aquila: Bulgaria relies on technology from Greece's Ucandrone

The Balkan region is making remarkable progress in unmanned systems. One example is Aquila: developed and built by Greek company Ucandrone, this reconnaissance drone sets new standards in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR).

The first systems have been in service with the Bulgarian Land Forces since May, according to a report by Defence Redefined. A total of 36 units have been ordered and are being delivered gradually.

To balance weight and stability, Aquila is made entirely of carbon. The unmanned system is designed as a VTOL UAV, i.e. an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL): four wing motors allow it to take off and land vertically, while a more powerful electric motor at the tail provides propulsion in horizontal flight. Aquila therefore needs no prepared runways and operates flexibly in very diverse environments.

Several control options are available – from a simple smartphone receiver for use at squad level to multi-screen solutions for planning in the command post. Electro-optical sensors are mounted under the fuselage, allowing observation up to 40 kilometres in good visibility.

Depending on conditions, flight time is between 90 and 180 minutes. This makes the drone suitable for a wide range of mission profiles.

Technical data of the reconnaissance drone

• Wingspan: 260 centimetres
• Length: 140 centimetres
• Height: 86 centimetres
• Weight (without battery): 4.5 kilograms
• Weight (with battery): 7 kilograms
• Cruising speed: up to 20 metres/second
• Maximum speed: up to 30 metres/second
• Flight time: up to 95 minutes
• Range: up to 30 kilometres

As payload, the drone carries day and thermal imaging cameras as well as a laser rangefinder. A portable information management system transmits data in real time via voice and video, processes it and distributes it to all connected users, up to command level. Aquila thus contributes decisively to better battlefield reconnaissance and an improved situational picture.