Hensoldt and Avilus integrate PrecISR radar onto Bussard UAS

Avilus' Bussard UAS with the PrecISR radar seen on the underside of the platform. (Avilus)

Germany's Hensoldt combines its PrecISR radar and Avilus' Bussard unmanned aircraft system (UAS) as well as other Avilus UASs with the same radar in joint development, Hensoldt's spokesperson for multidomain solutions and optronics Alexander Ogger confirmed to Janes on 15 October.

“Other drones [UASs] from Avilus will also be used,” Ogger said. Hensoldt announced its strategic partnership with Avilus in a 13 October press release. The aim, according to the release, is the joint development of the sensor and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) systems that are also made in Germany.

PrecISR is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar operating in X-band and using gallium nitride (GaN) in the chips in its array. The radar combines AESA with large-bandwidth, multichannel radar electronics and integrated radar signal processing with a 360° gimbal, according to Hensoldt, which added that it has the capability to detect and track more than 1,000 objects simultaneously; provides ultra-high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery; and has a high-resolution inverse SAR and moving target indicator (MTI).

Avilus' fixed-wing Bussard is an intelligence surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance (ISTAR) and close air support (CAS) UAS with an electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) gimbal equipped with a laser designator. It has a maximum speed of 290 km/h, a maximum range of 2,500 km, a radar payload of 65 kg, an optical payload of 53 kg, and a maximum take-off weight of 800 kg. The UAS includes satellite and inertial navigation. Avilus said Hensoldt's PrecISR has a detection range of up to 370 km. The Bussard is also advertised as capable of operating in tandem with a UAS that can be used to strike a target.