The AERIS Recon S7 is a compact tactical UAV system designed for ISR-focused reconnaissance and surveillance missions. It is engineered for operational scenarios where rapid deployment, a reduced signature, and reliable sensor data are critical in security-sensitive environments.
As an integrated system platform, AERIS Recon S7 combines the flight platform with a fixed EO/IR reconnaissance payload, IP-based tactical communications, a robust ground control station, and field-serviceable maintenance. This makes the system particularly suitable for situational reconnaissance, perimeter and area surveillance, as well as mobile observation tasks in law enforcement and defense environments.
Jump to: | Sensors & AI | Communications | Operating Modes & Tether | Technical Data
Operational Focus
Operational Focus and System Advantages
The operational focus of AERIS Recon S7 is rapid tactical reconnaissance, mobile observation and robust information gathering. Its key system advantages include short deployment times, EO/IR reconnaissance, a tactical data link, compact system architecture and field-ready maintenance.
Tactical situational awareness / ISR
AERIS Recon S7 supports tactical situational awareness and the rapid collection of reliable imagery and sensor data for ISR-focused mission profiles. The system is designed for reconnaissance and observation missions where airborne information must be available quickly, precisely and close to the operational area.
Perimeter and area monitoring
The UAV is suitable for perimeter and area monitoring as well as aerial observation tasks around security-relevant areas, access points and temporarily monitored spaces. EO/IR reconnaissance helps detect movement, anomalies and changes in the situation at an early stage, even under demanding operating conditions.
Mobile observation tasks
For mobile observation tasks, AERIS Recon S7 can be relocated at short notice and deployed according to the situation thanks to its compact system architecture, short setup times and integrated reconnaissance equipment – even away from prepared infrastructure.
Public-sector and defence-related operations
AERIS Recon S7 is designed for security-sensitive public-sector and defence-related operations. The system supports operational teams in police operations, search-and-rescue scenarios and other missions where robust reconnaissance and reliable information gathering are required.
Rapid operational readiness
Rapid operational readiness is supported by a mechanical setup time of approximately 30 to 50 seconds; full operational readiness is typically achieved within around 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the system to be brought into operation quickly, even in dynamic situations.
EO/IR reconnaissance and AI tracking
The stabilised EO/IR payload provides EO/IR reconnaissance with daylight imagery, thermal imaging and zoom functions for situational awareness by day, by night and in reduced visibility. Depending on the configuration, AI-supported tracking functions such as Target Tracking, Object Tracking and Multiple Target Tracking can be integrated.
Tactical IP mesh data link
The tactical IP mesh data link is based on an IP-based communication architecture with MANET/mesh capability. It transmits control data, telemetry and sensor data via a robust data link with low latency and high network scalability.
VIRS, GNSS resilience and field-ready maintenance
VIRS supports energy-efficient return with adaptive altitude guidance as the Vectorbirds Intelligent Return System. In addition, dead reckoning with wind estimation, low-altitude GNSS-free position hold, GNSS resilience and tool-free replaceable propulsion and landing modules improve operational availability and field-ready maintenance during deployment.
Performance Data
Technical Overview
AERIS Recon S7 is designed as a compact tactical ISR UAV for mobile reconnaissance, observation and situational-awareness missions. This technical overview shows how short response times, reduced signature, EO/IR reconnaissance, IP-based communications, GNSS-resilient return functions and field-serviceable system modules are combined in one compact system.
Key performance data at a glance:
Reconnaissance & Assistance
Sensors & AI
The sensors, AI and assistance functions of AERIS Recon S7 combine stabilised EO/IR reconnaissance with AI-assisted tracking functions and an IP-based payload architecture. Depending on the configuration, sensor solutions with visible-light imaging, thermal imaging, extended zoom performance and sensor-assisted target tracking are available.
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Sensor architecture | Stabilised EO/IR reconnaissance payload with IP-based payload and integration architecture |
| Visible-light channel | HD or Full HD resolution, depending on payload configuration |
| Thermal imaging channel | LWIR thermal imaging channel, with up to Full HD IR possible depending on payload configuration |
| Zoom function | 40× total zoom in the standard configuration, optionally up to 80× depending on payload |
| Display modes | Visible-light image, thermal image, picture-in-picture and side-by-side, depending on payload |
| AI tracking | Target Tracking, Object Tracking and Multiple Target Tracking |
| Target tracking | Sensor-assisted or cross-sensor target tracking across EO/IR channels, depending on configuration |
Data Link & System Integration
Communications & Integration
The communications and integration architecture of AERIS Recon S7 is based on an IP-based communications and system architecture that brings together the air vehicle, payload, ground control station, telemetry, video data and mission-relevant information within a robust data network.
The tactical IP mesh data link supports mobile mission profiles, network-capable system integration and resilient communication under demanding operational conditions.
| Area | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Communications architecture | IP-based tactical data link for control, telemetry, video data and payload information |
| Network type | MANET / Mesh |
| Data rate | up to 100 Mbit/s, depending on configuration and operational environment |
| Latency | approx. 7 ms, depending on configuration and mission conditions |
| Practical range | typically 3–5 km LOS, depending on terrain, antenna position and RF environment |
| System integration | Integration of control data, telemetry, sensors and video streams into a network-based system architecture |
Flight Control & Resilience
Navigation and Operational Safety
Navigation, flight control and operational safety of AERIS Recon S7 are designed for mobile reconnaissance missions under real-world operating conditions. In addition to GNSS-based navigation, further methods for attitude and position support can be integrated depending on the configuration.
Functions such as VIRS, dead reckoning, intelligent return logic and GNSS-resilient operation strengthen the resilience of the platform especially when positioning data is degraded, limited or temporarily unavailable.
| Area | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Navigation system | Dual-band GNSS / RTK, depending on system and receiver configuration |
| Supported satellite systems | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS, depending on receiver and configuration |
| Intelligent return function | VIRS with adaptive altitude management for controlled and energy-efficient return |
| Support during GNSS degradation | Dead reckoning with wind estimation for time-limited position estimation under reduced GNSS availability |
| Low-altitude position hold | GNSS-independent position support using optical flow, depending on altitude, ground texture, lighting conditions and sensor integration |
| Recommended operating range | Optical-flow-assisted functions typically in the low-altitude range up to approx. 10 m flight altitude |
Tether & Endurance
Operating Modes & Tether
The operating modes of AERIS Recon S7 range from mobile battery operation to tether-supported power supply for stationary observation and reconnaissance tasks. Depending on the configuration, the tether system can also support control, telemetry, video or network data in addition to power supply.
This allows endurance, communications architecture and mission profile to be adapted to the operational situation without compromising the compact character of the platform.
| Operating mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Mobile battery operation | Power supply via onboard battery; control, telemetry and payload data are transmitted via the radio data link. |
| Hybrid tether operation | Power supply via tether cable; control, telemetry and video data can remain radio-based. |
| Cable-supported operation | Depending on the tether configuration, control, telemetry, video or network data can also be routed via the cable in addition to power supply. |
| Tether operating altitude | Configuration-dependent; compact tether configurations typically operate in the range of up to approx. 40–45 m. |
| Data options via tether | Configuration-dependent via twisted pair, Ethernet or fiber-optic solutions; extended data and network functions depend on the tether system, UAV configuration and mission profile. |
Specifications
Technical Data
The technical data and specifications of AERIS Recon S7 summarise the essential platform, operating and system parameters for mobile ISR, surveillance and situational-awareness missions. This overview provides a compact basis for an initial technical assessment of the ISR UAV.
| Parameter | Configuration |
|---|---|
| System type | Compact tactical quadcopter UAV for ISR, reconnaissance and observation missions |
| MTOW | approx. 3.25 kg |
| Recommended mission time | approx. 30 min, depending on payload, wind, flight profile and operational reserve |
| Maximum flight time | up to approx. 40 min, depending on configuration and mission conditions |
| Mechanical setup | approx. 30–50 s; full operational readiness typically within approx. 2–3 min |
| Wind resistance | approx. Beaufort 5, depending on mission profile and operating environment |
| Data link | typically approx. 3–5 km LOS, depending on antenna position, terrain and RF environment |
| Sensors | stabilized EO/IR reconnaissance payload with visible-light, thermal imaging and zoom functions |
| Acoustic signature | reduced signature for mobile observation and reconnaissance missions |
Integration and Mission Modules
The integration of AERIS Recon S7 with additional Vectorbirds mission modules allows mobile reconnaissance capabilities, stationary observation concepts and tether-supported operating modes to be expanded for mission-specific requirements.
For longer-duration stationary surveillance and reconnaissance missions, AERIS Recon S7 can be combined with suitable tether systems. In combination with mobile or stationary platform solutions such as TELEVATOR, integrated system concepts can be created for persistent aerial observation, elevated sensor positions and situation-dependent long-duration deployments.
Transport and deployment of AERIS Recon S7 are designed for rapid staging, secure storage and robust logistics processes in the field. Depending on the deployment concept, different transport and carrying systems are available for vehicle loading, depot storage and mobile teams.
Cases for Storage and Logistics
For transport, storage and vehicle loading, AERIS Recon S7 can be supplied in a hard-shell case with a custom-fit foam insert. This configuration protects the system during logistics operations and is particularly suitable for scheduled deployment, depot storage and secure staging.
Backpack for Mobile Deployment
A padded backpack configuration is available for mobile teams. It allows AERIS Recon S7 to be transported flexibly into the immediate operational area and supports rapid last-mile deployment away from the vehicle.
MOLLE/PALS-Compatible Carrying Concepts
In addition, AERIS Recon S7 can be integrated into MOLLE/PALS-compatible carrying and equipment concepts. Depending on operational requirements, standalone modular carrying systems are possible as well as combined solutions consisting of a backpack, additional pouches and MOLLE/PALS attachment.
Project Request | AERIS Recon S7
Evaluate AERIS Recon S7 for your mission profile
Do you want to evaluate whether AERIS Recon S7 is suitable for your tactical reconnaissance, observation or situational-awareness requirements? As part of the project request, Vectorbirds supports you with technical assessment, evaluation of possible mission concepts and selection of suitable system, sensor and operating options.
On this basis, it can be clarified whether AERIS Recon S7 can be integrated meaningfully into your mission profile as a compact ISR UAV, as a mobile observation platform or as part of an extended system solution.