Vectorbirds Technology
Technology & System Architecture
UAV technology and system architecture form the technical basis of Vectorbirds systems. Secure communication, reliable payload integration, mission-adapted operation and open system integration are treated as one coherent UAV system architecture.
Vectorbirds platforms combine flight-ready UAV hardware, IP-based data architecture, payload integration, ground control adaptation and C2 / mission system integration into operational system solutions for public authorities, security organisations, defence, industry and specialised integration projects.
The focus is not only on the individual aircraft, but on the complete UAV system consisting of platform, data link, payload, operator interface, mission data and integration environment.
System Architecture | UAV, Relay, Tether & Ground Station
Networked mission architecture with UAV, relay, tether and ground station
Vectorbirds UAV systems can be deployed as individual platforms or combined into a networked mission architecture. Reconnaissance UAVs, relay UAVs, tether links, mobile ground stations and remote control points can be configured as one integrated system solution.
The illustration shows how AERIS Recon S7, VECTIS relay configurations, tether stations, tether ground station and command-control infrastructure can interact within a shared communication and data architecture. Radio links, tethered power/data paths and IP-based system integration are treated as part of one coherent mission system.
Depending on the project, data link, payload integration, C2 connectivity, tethered operation, ground-control software and system logistics can be adapted. This creates coordinated UAV systems rather than isolated components — supporting reconnaissance, communications, situational awareness and mission-specific integration.
Cross-Platform Architecture | AERIS, VECTIS & System Variants
Common Technical Basis for AERIS, VECTIS and Further UAV Platforms
The common technical basis of Vectorbirds UAV systems is designed as a cross-platform architecture. This allows different UAV platforms such as AERIS Recon S7, VECTIS Recon M2, reinforced VECTIS-R configurations and further system variants to build on a comparable technical architecture.
This common technical basis simplifies payload integration, connection to data link and mission systems, adaptation of the Ground Control Station and further development of customer-specific functions.
IP-based architecture
IP-based communication paths support telemetry, payload data, video streaming and system connectivity within a unified data structure.
Payload integration
Payload integration covers the mechanical, electrical and data-side integration of sensors, payloads and mission-specific system components.
Data link, network & routing
Data link, network and routing are considered together so that telemetry, video, payload data and network services can be transmitted and distributed according to the mission profile.
C2 integration
C2 integration can support the project-specific integration of UAV data, video streams, telemetry and mission information into higher-level system environments.
MAVLink 2 communication
MAVLink 2 serves as a standardized communication layer between the flight controller, Ground Control Station, payloads and mission-specific software components. This allows telemetry, camera control, payload functions and customer-specific extensions to be integrated within a common system architecture.
Data Architecture | Telemetry, Video & Payload Data
IP-Based Communication for Telemetry, Video and Payload Data
IP-based communication forms a central basis of the Vectorbirds system architecture. Telemetry, video, payload data and system information can be routed through defined data paths and transmitted in a structured way depending on platform, data link, payload and mission profile.
The communication architecture supports the integration of different data sources within a UAV system. These include control and telemetry data, video streams, payload information, network access and interfaces to the Ground Control Station, mission systems and further system components.
By treating data link, network, video and payload data as one coherent architecture, UAV systems can be adapted on a project-specific basis to range, latency, data volume, operating concept and security requirements.
IP data paths
IP data paths enable structured transmission of telemetry, control data, payload data and system information within the UAV system architecture.
Video & RTSP
Video and RTSP streams can be provided, depending on system design, for situational awareness, payload display, operator interface or external system connectivity.
Mesh-capable links
Mesh-capable links can support range, network stability and tactical flexibility when multiple participants or relay points are included in the communication architecture.
Tether data paths
Tether data paths can transmit control, network access, video streams or payload data via cable and thereby complement or relieve radio data links.
Payload | Sensors & AI Functions
Payload Integration for EO/IR, Tracking and Mission-Specific AI
Payload integration in Vectorbirds UAV systems is designed for professional payloads for EO/IR reconnaissance, tracking and mission-related sensor applications. Depending on platform, mission profile and customer requirements, EO/IR sensors, zoom cameras, relay modules, special payloads and customer-specific payloads can be integrated into the overall system.
In addition to classic sensor and video payloads, mission-specific AI can also be considered. Depending on configuration, these may include object detection, object classification, target tracking, multiple target tracking as well as customer-specific detection and analysis functions.
For demanding integration projects, suitable onboard computing modules, customer-provided software components or project-specific AI functionality can be integrated into the system architecture. This allows UAV platform, payload, data link, video streaming and mission system to be aligned in a targeted way.
EO/IR sensors
Professional EO/IR payloads, zoom cameras and stabilised sensor systems can be integrated for reconnaissance, observation and situational awareness.
Tracking functions
Tracking functions such as object tracking, target tracking and multiple target tracking can be integrated into the mission and payload architecture depending on configuration.
Customer-specific AI
Customer-provided or individually trained AI functions can be considered on a project-specific basis, for example for specialised detection, classification or analysis tasks.
Onboard integration
Onboard integration covers suitable computing modules, network interfaces and software components that can be integrated into the UAV system architecture depending on platform and payload.
Ground Control | Operator Logic, UMS & C2 Connectivity
Mission-Adapted Operator Interfaces and Integration into C2 Systems
Professional UAV systems must not only fly reliably; they must also be capable of being integrated into existing operational, command and operator workflows. Vectorbirds can adapt mission-adapted operator interfaces and the Ground Control Station software side to customer requirements, mission profiles and operating concepts.
Possible adaptations include reduced or preconfigured operator interfaces, mission-specific operating logic, customer-specific buttons, restricted selection of approved flight modes and adapted workflows for defined operational scenarios.
In addition, Vectorbirds systems can be integrated on a project-specific basis into higher-level UMS, C2, control, command and mission systems. This enables UAV data, video streams, telemetry, payload data and mission information to be structured and integrated into existing system environments.
Adapted GCS
An adapted Ground Control Station can align operator interfaces, views, functions and workflows with mission profile, user group and system configuration.
Mission logic
Mission logic can support preconfigured procedures, reduced operating options, approved flight modes and mission-specific operator decisions.
UMS and C2 connectivity
UMS and C2 connectivity can integrate UAV data, telemetry, video streams, payload data and mission information into higher-level command and mission systems on a project-specific basis.
Data provision
Data provision includes the structured output of telemetry, payload data, video data and mission information for operation, analysis or external system environments.
Tether | Power, Data & Remote Operation
Tethered Operating Modes and Remote Control Architectures
For stationary, mobile or longer-duration mission profiles, Vectorbirds UAV systems can be combined with tether systems on a project-specific basis. Depending on configuration, power supply, control, network access and payload data can be routed partially or fully through tethered operating modes.
Tether systems enable UAV operation within defined altitude ranges while the ground components provide power supply, data connectivity and system monitoring. Depending on system design and mission profile, different configurations are possible – from power supply via tether with a separate radio data link to tethered data and control paths.
In combination with suitable fibre-optic or network links, remote control architectures can also be implemented. In this setup, control station, tether ground unit and UAV can be spatially separated to enable tactically or operationally suitable deployments.
Power via Tether
Depending on system design, the UAV power supply can be routed fully or partially through a tether system.
Data & Control
Control data, network access and payload data can be transmitted additionally or alternatively via cable depending on the configuration.
Remote Operation
Suitable network or fibre-optic links allow the control station and tether ground unit to be operated from separate locations.
TELEVATOR Integration
In combination with TELEVATOR, tethered operation can be combined with a mobile platform, automated take-off and landing processes and vehicle-based system integration.
Operational Safety | Navigation & System Resilience
Sensors, Return Logic and Robust System Functions for Professional Missions
Professional UAV missions place high demands on navigation, stabilisation, system monitoring and safe operating procedures. Vectorbirds addresses these requirements through suitable sensors, mission-dependent return logic, configuration-dependent redundancy functions and robust system functions.
Depending on platform capabilities, multiple inertial measurement units, temperature-stabilised sensors, intelligent return strategies, dead reckoning functions, wind estimation, VIRS and GNSS-independent support modes can be incorporated into the system architecture.
The objective is a technical architecture that is not only designed for maximum single-point performance, but for controllable behaviour, traceable operating states and mission-appropriate safety logic for professional missions.
Multiple IMUs
Multiple inertial measurement units can extend the sensor basis of suitable UAV platforms and support stable attitude and motion assessment.
VIRS Intelligent Return System
The Vectorbirds Intelligent Return System (VIRS) supports mission-oriented and safety-focused return strategies. Depending on platform, sensor suite and system configuration, return profiles, contingency logic and supporting navigation functions can be integrated into the operational architecture.
Dead reckoning
Dead reckoning functions and wind estimation can complement the navigation logic when GNSS quality, wind or operating environment place special demands on the system.
GNSS-independent options
GNSS-independent options such as low-altitude position hold can be considered depending on configuration when the operating environment or mission profile requires them.
Modularity | Maintenance & Life Cycle
Modular UAV Systems for Maintainability, Adaptation and Long Service Life
Modular UAV systems from Vectorbirds are designed for maintainability, adaptation and long service life. The systems are not intended as closed single-use platforms, but as technical platforms with accessible assemblies, replaceable components and project-specific configuration options.
For professional users in particular, it is essential that systems do not have to be replaced completely after damage, payload changes or technical adaptations. Instead, suitable components can be inspected, repaired, replaced or further developed.
This modular approach reduces downtime, improves technical traceability and supports a long service life compared with highly closed standard platforms.
Modular assemblies
Modular assemblies and subsystems can be designed so that central components remain accessible, inspectable and replaceable.
Drive unit concept
For suitable platforms, the drive unit concept supports rapid maintenance, replaceability and field-level repair.
System adaptation
System adaptation can align payloads, data links, operating logic and integration interfaces with the specific mission use case.
Life cycle
Maintainability, repairability and modular expandability support the life cycle and long-term use of professional UAV systems.
Project Request | Technology & System Architecture
Configure UAV system architecture for your project
Are you planning a UAV system with a specific payload, data link connection, operating logic, tether operating mode, C2 integration or customer-specific system function? As part of the project request, Vectorbirds assesses which UAV system architecture is technically and operationally appropriate for your mission profile.
Together, we align platform, payload, communications architecture, mission data, Ground Control Station, integration environment and project-specific requirements to create a robust system solution for professional UAV missions.