Reconnaissance drones for the US Army: Quantum Systems wins Vector AI contract

Under the US Army's "Company-Level sUAS Directed Requirement (DR) 2" programme, Quantum Systems has received a contract worth 15.3 million US dollars, or around 14.1 million euros. It will supply the Vector AI system – reconnaissance drones intended to significantly expand reconnaissance capabilities at brigade level.

The programme is part of the US armed forces' comprehensive modernisation strategy: commercial drone solutions that are quickly available are to reach the troops directly. The insights gained are also to underpin the future Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) programme, which is to define the next generation of tactical reconnaissance drones.

Vector AI won the award after a competition that primarily assessed three criteria: flight performance, payload integration and interoperability with the US Army's new software architectures. The priority is the rapid introduction of combat-proven systems – systems that are available today and can nevertheless be tailored flexibly to future requirements.

Reconnaissance drones with experience from Ukraine

Today's battlefield demands unmanned systems that are adaptable, resilient and proven in real operations— Dave Sharpin, CEO of Quantum Systems' US subsidiary

According to Sharpin, the Vector platform has already logged more than 20,000 flight hours in Ukraine alone, with its capabilities in contested environments being continuously refined. Its modular architecture and open interface structure are particularly well suited to the US Army's requirements for interoperable systems that can be developed rapidly.

On the technical side, Vector AI uses an electrically powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) design. No runway is needed for either take-off or landing, yet range and efficiency match those of a fixed-wing aircraft. A single operator can make the system ready for action in less than five minutes; combat formations receive the reconnaissance data in real time. This is based on mission planning using artificial intelligence (AI), modern electro-optical sensors and image-based target acquisition.

So that it can also be used in contested environments, Vector AI is protected against jamming and has a multi-layered navigation system that allows operations independent of GPS. Thanks to the open system architecture, additional payloads can be integrated quickly and command and information systems such as TAK can be connected. Units are thus able to detect, track and engage targets while maintaining a comprehensive picture of the situation.