VECTIS Recon M2 is a tactical UAV system for ISR missions and a modular reconnaissance platform for mission profiles in which sensor performance, payload flexibility and robust system integration are decisive. The UAV combines a high-performance multirotor base with flexible EO/IR sensor payloads, IP-based data transmission and an architecture that can be adapted to different mission requirements.
The platform is suited for airborne situational awareness, mobile reconnaissance tasks and mission-specific integrations in professional and defence-related operational environments. VECTIS Recon M2 represents the compact reconnaissance configuration within the modular VECTIS system family.
Jump to: | Sensors & AI | Communications | Operating Modes & Tether | Technical Data
Mission Focus
Reconnaissance, Situational Awareness and Modular Sensor Systems
Reconnaissance, situational awareness and modular sensor systems define the operational focus of VECTIS Recon M2. The platform is designed for mission profiles in which airborne sensing, flexible payload integration and reliable data transmission must be considered together.
Depending on the application, the system can be equipped with different EO/IR camera systems and additional mission-specific components. This makes VECTIS Recon M2 suitable for tactical reconnaissance, mobile situational awareness, security-relevant observation tasks and integration into networked operational structures.
System Architecture
Modular Platform Architecture for Sensors, Data Links and Mission Technology
The modular platform architecture of VECTIS Recon M2 combines sensors, data links and mission technology into a coordinated system configuration. Flight platform, payloads, communications components and mission-specific extensions are not treated as isolated subsystems, but integrated as connected functional modules.
This enables a wide range of reconnaissance configurations – from compact EO/IR surveillance systems to individually tailored integration solutions for specific requirements in data transmission, sensing and mission command.
Modular Platform Core
The flight platform provides a stable technical foundation for different reconnaissance configurations, payloads and mission-specific extensions.
Sensors Matched to the Mission Profile
EO/IR camera systems and additional payload components can be selected according to range, observation task and integration requirements.
Communications as a System Module
Data links, video streaming and IP-based forwarding are designed as integral parts of the overall system configuration.
Adaptable Rather Than Fixed
VECTIS Recon M2 is not limited to a single standard equipment set, but designed for systematic, mission-oriented configuration.
Key Features
High-Performance Reconnaissance Platform with Modular System Architecture
As a high-performance reconnaissance platform with a modular system architecture, VECTIS Recon M2 combines a robust multirotor basis with flexible sensor integration, data transmission and payload integration. The focus is not a rigid single-purpose system, but a mission-oriented configuration.
This makes the platform suitable both for standardized reconnaissance configurations and for specialized applications in which camera systems, data links and additional mission modules must be coordinated at system level.
Modular EO/IR Sensor Payloads
Depending on the mission profile, VECTIS Recon M2 can be configured with different electro-optical and infrared camera systems.
IP-Based Data Architecture
Video streams, system data and mission-relevant information can be transmitted and processed via a scalable IP-based communications structure.
Flexible Payload Integration
The platform is designed for the structured integration of different sensors, communications modules and customer-specific mission components.
Mission-Oriented Configuration
VECTIS Recon M2 can be configured as a standardized reconnaissance variant or as an individually adapted system configuration depending on the application.
Technical Overview
Key Performance Data at a Glance
The key performance data provide a concise technical assessment of VECTIS Recon M2. The specific configuration may vary depending on payload, communications architecture, landing module and mission profile.
Flight Time
up to 40 min
with Li-ion batteries, depending on payload, battery configuration and mission profile.
Maximum Take-Off Weight
8.5 kg MTOW
in the reconnaissance configuration.
Data Link Range
5 km+ LOS
scalable depending on radio module, antenna concept and operational area.
Power Supply
2× 6S flight battery
as a redundant dual-channel power supply.
Tether Preparation
tether-ready
prepared for tether operation and Ethernet-based data connectivity.
Protection Level
IP54 level
designed for splash-resistant operation.
Sensors & AI
High-Performance Reconnaissance with EO/IR Payloads, Tracking and Georeferenced Image Analysis
High-performance reconnaissance with EO/IR payloads, tracking and georeferenced image analysis turns VECTIS Recon M2 into a flexibly configurable sensor platform for demanding reconnaissance and observation tasks. Depending on the configuration, zoom systems with up to 80× total zoom, infrared options up to Full HD IR and an IP-based video and analysis architecture are available.
In combination with integrated AI functions, the platform enables not only the transmission of image data, but also targeted analysis. Functions such as Target Tracking, Object Tracking, Multiple Target Tracking and Geolocation support structured situational awareness and mission-related information gathering.
EO/IR Payloads up to 80× Zoom
EO/IR payloads up to 80× zoom enable high-performance reconnaissance with visible-light and infrared channels. Depending on the configuration, infrared options up to Full HD IR are available.
AI-Assisted Tracking & Geolocation
AI-assisted tracking and geolocation support Target Tracking, Object Tracking, Multiple Target Tracking and spatial classification of relevant image objects.
Detection & Classification
Detection and classification can be configured for persons, vehicles and objects, including size-based classification as well as specialized functions for persons floating in water, watercraft and aircraft.
RTSP and Multistream Architecture
The RTSP and multistream architecture enables IP-based video output, multi-channel video transmission and configuration-dependent multistream setups.
Communications & Integration
Scalable Data Links, Secure Transmission and Open System Integration
Scalable data links, secure transmission and open system integration form the communications foundation of VECTIS Recon M2. The platform uses an IP-based system architecture for professional mission networking, flexible integration and robust data transmission.
Depending on the mission profile, high-performance radio data links with scalable transmission power and ranges well beyond 5 km LOS can be used. Control, telemetry, video data, payload functions and system information can be integrated into customer-specific communications and command architectures.
Scalable Data Link
The data link can be adapted in terms of performance depending on radio module, antenna concept and mission profile. Ranges well beyond 5 km LOS are possible depending on the configuration.
MAVLink 2 & Open Interfaces
MAVLink 2 and open interfaces enable flexible integration of control, telemetry and system functions into customer-specific architectures.
C2 and UMS Integration
VECTIS Recon M2 can be connected to higher-level control, command and mission systems. UMS integration has already been implemented in practice.
Encrypted Transmission
Encrypted transmission paths can be implemented for security-critical data and video connections. AES-256-based solutions and project-specific security architectures are possible depending on the configuration.
Redundancy & Operational Reliability
Redundant Power Supply and Precisely Conditioned Flight Control
Redundant power supply and precisely conditioned flight control make VECTIS Recon M2 suitable for professional mission profiles that require reproducible system behaviour. The platform uses two 6S batteries and is therefore based on a robust dual-channel power architecture.
The flight control system is designed around stable sensor data. Three inertial measurement units form the basis of the sensor-redundant IMU architecture. Before final parametrization, temperature correction curves are learned in order to compensate sensor signals more accurately across the relevant temperature range.
Redundant 2× 6S Power Supply
The power supply uses two 6S flight batteries and creates a robust dual-channel power architecture for professional mission profiles.
Three IMUs for Stable Sensor Data
Three inertial measurement units provide the sensor foundation for precise flight behaviour and a robust flight control architecture.
Temperature-Compensated Calibration
Learned temperature correction curves help compensate sensor signals more precisely across the relevant temperature range.
Thermally Stabilized IMU Operation
During operation, the IMUs work at approximately 45 to 50 °C. This provides reproducible measurement conditions and consistent sensor behaviour.
Platform Configuration
Landing Module and Mechanical Configuration Matched to the Mission Profile
Landing module and mechanical configuration of VECTIS Recon M2 are defined according to payload, mission profile and intended operation. Unlike AERIS Recon S7, the landing module on VECTIS is not intended as a rapid field-change component, but as part of the configuration-specific system design.
For larger or more voluminous payloads, VECTIS Recon M2 can be equipped with T-shaped landing gear. For applications involving platform landing or later integration into mobile landing platform concepts, a four-legged platform-landing configuration is available.
M2-T with T-Shaped Landing Gear
The M2-T configuration uses classic T-shaped landing gear. It is particularly suitable for larger or more voluminous payloads and provides additional clearance beneath the airframe.
M2-P for Platform Landing
The M2-P configuration uses a four-legged landing module. It is prepared for applications in which platform landing or later integration into mobile landing platform concepts is intended.
Defined by Configuration
The landing module is selected according to payload, mission profile, mechanical system design and intended operating mode. This allows the platform to be tailored to the planned mission purpose.
Distinction from AERIS
AERIS Recon S7 uses an interchangeable landing module. On VECTIS Recon M2, the mechanical configuration is defined according to the selected system setup and is not intended as a rapid field-change component.
Operating Modes & Tether
Battery Operation for Mobile Missions, Tether Operation for Stationary Long-Endurance Profiles
Battery operation and tether operation extend the operational range of VECTIS Recon M2. In conventional battery operation, the platform remains independent of ground-based infrastructure and is suitable for mobile reconnaissance missions that require rapid deployment.
For stationary long-endurance missions, VECTIS Recon M2 can optionally be prepared for tether operation. In this configuration, the UAV is supplied with power from the ground; depending on the system configuration, an Ethernet-based data connection can also be provided via the tether link.
Mobile Battery Operation
In battery operation, VECTIS Recon M2 remains independent of a tether ground unit or external power supply. This operating mode is suitable for mobile reconnaissance, observation and situational-awareness missions with rapid deployment.
Tether Operation for Long-Endurance Missions
In tether operation, the platform can be supplied with power from the ground. This enables stationary observation, security and monitoring profiles over extended periods.
Ethernet via Tether
In addition to power supply, the tether connection can provide an Ethernet-based data link depending on the system configuration. This supports stable IP communication and continuous video transmission.
Persistent Airborne Sensor Position
A persistently available airborne sensor position is suitable for stationary security, reconnaissance and monitoring tasks that require an elevated perspective over extended periods.
Technical Data
Technical Key Data of VECTIS Recon M2
The technical key data of VECTIS Recon M2 summarize platform configuration, flight performance, power supply, payload integration, communications architecture and flight control in a structured overview. Depending on payload, data link, landing module and customer-specific system configuration, individual values and equipment features may vary according to the selected configuration.
Platform and Flight Performance
Platform and flight performance of VECTIS Recon M2 describe the basic multirotor configuration, dimensions, weight limits and operational parameters of the reconnaissance platform.
| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Platform type | Quadcopter, modular multirotor platform |
| Product basis | VECTIS M2 platform |
| Maximum take-off weight | 8.5 kg |
| Basic system empty weight | approx. 4.1 kg |
| Characteristic dimension | approx. 1,400 mm |
| Wheelbase / motor spacing | approx. 850 mm |
| Propellers | 18″ or 20″, depending on payload and system configuration |
| Maximum speed | up to 41 km/h |
| Maximum climb rate | up to 4 m/s |
| Maximum operating altitude above sea level | up to 4,000 m |
| Wind resistance | up to 14 m/s |
| Protection level | IP54 level |
| Operating temperature | −20 °C to +50 °C |
Power Supply and Operating Modes
Power supply and operating modes of VECTIS Recon M2 describe the dual-channel battery supply, mobile battery operation and optional tether configurations for stationary long-endurance missions.
| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 2× 6S flight battery |
| Power architecture | redundant dual-channel power supply |
| Battery operation | mobile operation for flexibly deployable mission profiles |
| Tether operation | optionally configurable for ground-based power supply |
| Long-endurance missions | stationary mission profiles possible in tether operation |
| Data connection in tether operation | Ethernet-based data link possible |
| Flight time | up to 40 min with Li-ion batteries |
| Operating modes | battery operation, hybrid tether operation or fully cable-bound configuration possible depending on system setup |
Payload, Sensors and AI
Payload, sensors and AI of VECTIS Recon M2 describe modularly integrable EO/IR payloads, image-based analysis functions, tracking capabilities and configuration-dependent detection options.
| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Payload configuration | modularly integrable EO/IR and specialized payloads |
| Optical / total zoom | depending on payload configuration, up to 80× total zoom possible |
| Infrared options | EO/IR payloads available, configuration-dependent up to Full HD IR |
| AI functions | integrated image-based analysis functions depending on payload and system configuration |
| Tracking functions | Target Tracking, Object Tracking, Multiple Target Tracking and Geolocation |
| Detection & classification | recognition of persons, vehicles and objects; classification by size characteristics possible depending on configuration |
| Advanced specialized detection | persons floating in water, watercraft and aircraft can be detected depending on configuration |
| Additional specialized functions | license plate recognition as well as fire and smoke detection can be integrated depending on project and configuration |
| Video streaming | RTSP-based video output |
| Multistream | parallel or multi-channel video transmission possible depending on configuration |
| Payload integration | customer-specific sensor and analysis configurations can be realized on a project-specific basis |
Communications and Data Link
Communications and data link of VECTIS Recon M2 describe the IP-based system architecture, radio data links, video streaming, telemetry and integration capability into higher-level control and mission systems.
| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Communications architecture | IP-based system and data link architecture |
| Data link | scalable radio data link, configurable depending on module and mission profile |
| Range | 5 km+ LOS, depending on radio module, antenna concept and operational area; greater ranges possible depending on configuration |
| Network capability | MANET/mesh-capable communications structure depending on radio module and system configuration |
| Control and telemetry data | MAVLink 2-based communication for control, telemetry and system data |
| Video data | IP-based video transmission, RTSP-based video output possible depending on configuration |
| Multistream capability | parallel or multi-channel video streams depending on payload and network architecture |
| Encryption | encrypted data and video transmission, AES-256-based solutions possible depending on configuration |
| Ground control station | integration into professional GCS environments, customer-specific user interfaces possible |
| C2/UMS integration | integration into higher-level control, command and mission systems possible; UMS integration has already been implemented in practice |
| Open interfaces | project-specific integration of external systems, data receivers and customer-specific integration architectures possible |
Flight Control and Sensors
Flight control and sensors of VECTIS Recon M2 describe the ArduPilot-based control architecture, redundant IMU sensing, temperature compensation and supporting methods for stable mission execution.
| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flight control architecture | ArduPilot-based flight control with professional system parametrization |
| IMU architecture | three inertial measurement units for sensor-redundant attitude sensing |
| Temperature correction | learned temperature correction curves before final parametrization |
| Thermal conditioning | IMU operation at a defined temperature of approximately 45 to 50 °C |
| Sensor behaviour | reproducible measurement conditions and stabilized sensor signals across the relevant temperature range |
| GNSS navigation | GNSS-based navigation depending on mission profile and system configuration |
| GNSS resilience | additional methods for attitude and position support can be integrated depending on configuration |
| VIRS / dead reckoning | methods for visual or inertially supported stabilization and position estimation can be integrated on a project-specific basis |
| Return functions | intelligent return and failsafe functions depending on mission profile and system parametrization |
| Operator support | simplified, mission-adapted operating logic and preconfigured operating modes possible on a project-specific basis |
System Architecture and Integration
System architecture and integration of VECTIS Recon M2 describe the modular platform logic, mission-specific configuration, GCS adaptation, interface capability and integration into higher-level system environments.
| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| System architecture | modular UAV platform with configuration-dependent integration of sensors, data links and mission modules |
| Mission configuration | standardized reconnaissance configuration or project-specific system configuration possible |
| Platform integration | integration of sensors, communications modules, tether connectivity and customer-specific mission technology possible |
| Landing module configuration | M2-T with T-shaped landing gear or M2-P with four-legged landing module depending on payload, mission profile and overall mechanical concept |
| Ground control station | customer-specific user interfaces, preconfigured operating logic and reduced operating modes possible |
| C2/UMS integration | integration into external control, command and mission systems possible; UMS integration has been implemented in practice |
| AI integration | integration of customer-specific AI functions and suitable onboard computing modules possible on a project-specific basis |
| Software/container integration | integration of customer-provided software or AI functionality via suitable system modules possible depending on configuration |
| Tether integration | preparation for tether operation with power supply and optional Ethernet-based data connectivity possible |
| Mobile landing platform | configuration-dependent preparation for platform landing and later integration into mobile landing platform concepts possible |
| Service and module concept | field-level maintenance, modular system checks and project-specific spare part or exchange concepts possible |
Transport & Deployment
Compact System Logistics for Mobile and Field-Ready Mission Profiles
Several transport and carrying systems are available for VECTIS Recon M2. The robust system case accommodates the complete UAV system in a custom-fit foam insert and protects it during storage, vehicle loading and transport over longer distances. For field deployment, lighter options are available: a foam-lined backpack as well as MOLLE/PALS-compatible pouches and carrying systems for batteries, accessories and individual system components.
This allows the transport concept to be selected according to the mission profile: maximum protection, better portability or flexible distribution of equipment within the team. Vectorbirds can adapt the transport solution to the UAV configuration, payload, ground components, vehicle, team structure and operating conditions.
System Transport Solution
Air vehicle, payloads, batteries, ground station, data link components and accessories can be combined in a structured system transport solution. This ensures protected storage and makes vehicle transport and controlled handover to the operating team easier.
Robust Case Solution
Our robust case solution protects the complete UAV system in a custom-fit foam insert. It is particularly suitable for storage, vehicle transport and longer transport distances. In field use, however, it is less convenient to handle due to its size and weight compared with lighter carrying systems.
Backpack Solution
The foam-lined backpack solution is lighter and easier to handle than the system case. It supports transport from a vehicle or staging point to the actual operating area, while offering slightly less protection than the robust case solution.
MOLLE/PALS Carrying Concepts
Batteries, accessories and additional system components can be stored in MOLLE/PALS-compatible pouches and carrying systems. This allows equipment to be distributed more flexibly across team members, terrain and operating conditions. Transport and carrying systems can be adapted to customer-specific requirements.
Project Request | VECTIS Recon M2
Evaluate VECTIS Recon M2 for your mission profile
Do you want to evaluate whether VECTIS Recon M2 is suitable for a specific reconnaissance, observation or integration scenario? As part of the project request, Vectorbirds supports you in selecting suitable payloads, data link configurations, landing modules and mission-specific system options.
This makes it possible to clarify whether a standard Recon configuration is sufficient for your mission profile or whether customer-specific system integration is appropriate.