UAV systems | Platform overview
UAV systems for reconnaissance, security and specialised industrial applications
Vectorbirds develops and integrates modular UAV systems for professional, public-sector and defence-related applications. As a German UAV manufacturer and system integrator, Vectorbirds combines the AERIS and VECTIS platform families as well as TELEVATOR and tether solutions with robust operational capability, secure data transmission, payload integration and customer-specific mission profiles.
From compact recon systems and relay or multi-payload configurations to mobile operating and integration solutions, the portfolio covers different areas of application, including ISR, public safety, security, technical inspection, tactical situational awareness, relay applications and individual payload integration.
Portfolio | UAV Platforms
Modular UAV Families for Different Mission Profiles
The Vectorbirds portfolio is structured as a modular UAV platform family. Each platform line is designed for specific payload classes, integration requirements and mission profiles – from compact reconnaissance systems to powerful carrier platforms for complex mission equipment.
These platforms form the basis for customer-specific configurations, sensor integration, secure data links, relay applications and tactical or industrial UAV operations.
UAV Systems | Platform Overview
Vectorbirds UAV systems by mission profile and platform class
The Vectorbirds UAV platforms cover different size classes, mission roles and integration profiles. From compact reconnaissance systems to modular relay and payload platforms through to advanced fusion configurations, each system can be adapted to the specific mission profile, payload, data link and operating mode.
AERIS Recon S7
S-class / Small · Generation 7
Compact tactical UAV system for rapid ISR-oriented reconnaissance, mobile situational awareness and EO/IR sensor payloads in professional operating environments.
- Light Recon / ISR
- replaceable Drive Unit
- EO/IR reconnaissance
- easy to deploy
VECTIS Recon M2 / VECTIS Relay M2
M-class / Medium · Generation 2
Modular M-class VECTIS systems for reconnaissance and relay missions – with EO/IR payload, communication module, data link integration or tethered TELEVATOR operation.
- Recon / Relay
- EO/IR or radio module
- quad configuration
- modular payloads
VECTIS R Recon / Relay M2
M-class / Medium · Generation 2
Reinforced VECTIS configuration for higher payload reserves, robust flight performance and demanding reconnaissance, relay or special payload integrations.
- Reinforced Recon / Relay
- higher payload reserves
- octo configuration
- EO / COM / SIGINT
Details on request
VECTIS X Fusion M2
M-class / Medium · Generation 2
Fusion configuration with dual-deck architecture, four usable rails and flexible equipment options for batteries, relay hardware, TVM or special payloads.
- Recon + Relay
- Dual Deck
- 4 usable rails
- TVM / battery / payload
Product range: architecture and mission role
| Product | Architecture | Priority and status |
|---|---|---|
| AERIS Recon S7 | Compact quad platform with replaceable drive unit | EO/IR reconnaissance; dedicated reference configuration |
| VECTIS Recon M2 | Modular quad platform | EO/IR sensors prioritised; additional relay modules within system margins |
| VECTIS Relay M2 | Modular quad platform; payload-dependent geometry | Communications payloads and antennas prioritised; additional sensors within system margins |
| VECTIS R Recon M2 | Four arms, eight coaxial propulsion units | Sensor integration; specific performance data on request |
| VECTIS R Relay M2 | Four arms, eight coaxial propulsion units | Communications integration; specific performance data on request |
| VECTIS X Fusion M2 | Dual decks with four usable rails | Multiple mission modules; installation space and performance on request |
| ATLAS Carrier L1 | Project platform | Carrier and integration project; project-specific scope and availability |
| STRIX Strike S1 | Project platform | Specialised mission project; project-specific scope and availability |
IP data links, mesh/MANET, GCS/C2 connectivity and optional mission processing are integrated across platforms according to configuration. The 900 mm dimension applies only to the documented VECTIS Recon reference. Geometry and performance are not transferred between variants. The standard TELEVATOR landing ring is not compatible with VECTIS R.
System Architecture | Data Links, Payloads & Integration
Common Technology Platform Instead of Isolated Individual Systems
Many Vectorbirds UAV systems are based on a cross-platform system architecture. This includes IP-based data and video structures, MAVLink-2 communication, RTSP video streaming, secure radio data links, customer-adaptable ground control software and the ability to integrate external C2 and mission systems.
This means that AERIS, VECTIS, VECTIS R and VECTIS X are not treated only as individual aircraft, but as configurable system modules for reconnaissance, communications, payload integration and mission-specific applications.
Current datasheets and project profiles
Current public documents; overview updated in October 2026. ATLAS and STRIX are documented as project profiles; configuration, technical scope and availability are agreed individually.
- AERIS Recon S7 – datasheet (Rev14, EN, PDF)
- ATLAS Carrier L1 – project profile (Rev01, EN, PDF)
- EO/IR-Payloads – selection guide (Rev01, EN, PDF)
- STRIX Strike S1 – project profile (Rev01, EN, PDF)
- VECTIS R Recon M2 – datasheet (Rev01, EN, PDF)
- VECTIS R Relay M2 – datasheet (Rev01, EN, PDF)
- VECTIS Recon M2 – datasheet (Rev07, EN, PDF)
- VECTIS Relay M2 – datasheet (Rev01, EN, PDF)
- VECTIS X Fusion M2 – datasheet (Rev01, EN, PDF)
- TELEVATOR – datasheet (Rev05, EN, PDF)
Earlier Grabbit/Kite documents describe historical configurations and are not current specifications for AERIS or VECTIS.
Project Inquiry | UAV Selection & System Integration
Which UAV platform fits your mission profile?
Whether compact reconnaissance system, relay platform, heavy payload integration or customer-specific system solution: Vectorbirds supports the selection, configuration, integration and testing of suitable UAV systems.
Together, we clarify mission profile, payload, data link, operating environment and integration requirements – from an individual UAV to an integrated system solution.