Auterion Government Solutions Inc (AGS Inc) and Quantum-Systems GmbH have partnered to bring the Vector and Scorpion small UAS (sUAS) to the U.S. Government Defense and Security markets.

The companies have combined what they describe as “best-in-class sUAS hardware” with Auterion OS, which is a secure, scalable, open source, operating system that is currently being used on a variety of small UAS including multi-rotors and hybrid VTOL Group 2 air vehicles.

“We are excited to be working with Quantum-Systems to bring forth a new, integrated, rucksack portable sUAS that we feel will transform the way our customers collect, process and disseminate ISR and Situation Awareness information, in all environments,” says David Sharpin, CEO of AGS Inc.

“AGS Inc and Quantum-Systems are standing up manufacturing operations in the US and are utilizing assured subsystems and software to provide a secure solution offering for our customers.”

Vector and Scorpion form what the companies describe as a “2-in-1 system kit.” Scorpion is a tri-copter that can be used for dynamic urban environments and other mission sets that need a combination of maneuverability and hover to collect intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and situation awareness information. The UAS also comes with a tethering system to enable 24/7 operations when necessary.

Scorpion transforms into Vector by configuring the base fuselage with fixed wings and tail section. An energy-efficient, fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, Vector is ideal for longer range, longer endurance ISR missions.

Currently, Quantum-Systems uses a proprietary flight control stack as well as its qBase command and control software on the two UAS. When equipped with Auterion Enterprise PX4 software, Auterion Ground Station software, and the Auterion Hand-Held Ground Control Station (H-GCS), the platforms form an open ecosystem that is aligned and integrated with DoD’s Group 1 UAS Architecture and requirements for a common Group 1 control system, which allows them to be extensible, tailorable and interoperable for customers in both the U.S. Defense and Security markets.

“Teaming up with AGS Inc will change the market in many ways. AGS Inc is a key partner in the development and deployment of DoD's Group 1 UAS Architecture. Together with our new tactical platforms Vector and Scorpion, this will meet the requirements and needs of the U.S. Government Defense and Security markets,” says Florian Seibel, CEO of Quantum-Systems.

“We will enable our global customers to either run our proprietary stack or be integrated with AGS Inc’s enterprise software and H-GCS from now on. By setting up a US entity, Quantum-Systems will move closer to the customer while working on setting up a large scale US production.”