HENSOLDT and AVILUS join forces for innovative UAV solutions “Made in Germany”
Technological partnership strengthens Germany's sovereign UAV expertise with state-of-the-art sensor and ISR solutions
Sensor solution provider HENSOLDT and AVILUS, a specialist in unmanned aerial systems (UAVs), announce their strategic partnership. The aim of the collaboration is the joint development and marketing of state-of-the-art sensor and ISR systems based on proven technologies and agile production capacities ‘Made in Germany’.
The integration of powerful HENSOLDT sensors – including a high-performance electro-optical system, AMPS-M and the ‘PrecISR’ radar – with the innovative ‘MissMarvin’ mission operating system will result in scalable UAV platforms that meet both military and civilian requirements.
“With AVILUS, we have an agile UAV specialist at our side who can optimally leverage our state-of-the-art sensor solutions. Together, we are focusing on technological sovereignty and short paths from development to operational readiness – for powerful and resilient UAV expertise in Germany,” says Christina Canitz, Head of Division Optronics at HENSOLDT.
“AVILUS closes specific capability gaps in casualty evacuation, logistics and reconnaissance with robust, unmanned aerial systems. The focus is on operational proximity, reliability and rapid availability. Through close cooperation with HENSOLDT, we combine our platforms with state-of-the-art sensor technology, thus creating immediate added value for forces in the field,” says AVILUS CEO Ernst Rittinghaus.
The electro-optical system enables the detection, classification and tracking of objects thanks to multispectral sensor technology and AI-supported real-time processing. It combines HD thermal imaging, colour/low-light, SWIR and wide-angle cameras for comprehensive situation assessment – all sensors are available simultaneously and can be controlled via a high-precision 4-axis gimbal.
AMPS-M combines a self-protection system with up to 16 intelligent decoy launchers and integrates various warning sensors and protective measures against missile, laser and radar threats. The platform benefits from high modularity, minimal maintenance and more than 700 systems in use worldwide with thousands of flight hours – tested in cooperation with NATO partners.
PrecISR, a software-defined X-band radar with active electronically scanned array (AESA), detects and tracks more than 1,000 objects simultaneously, including ground, sea and air targets, regardless of weather conditions and at great distances. The system is easy to integrate, ITAR-free and, thanks to its scalability, suitable for a wide range of UAV platforms.
With the Federal Aviation Authority's approval for civil flights already granted and the ‘company owned, company operated’ operating model, the partners are addressing a wide range of application scenarios – from disaster control and critical infrastructure monitoring to national border security.
The cooperation is part of HENSOLDT's strategy to create innovative solutions in line with ‘software-defined defence’ through targeted partnerships. Initial demonstrations and pilot projects are already in preparation. The aim is to set new standards for ISR capabilities in unmanned aviation, both nationally and internationally.
Press contact
Alexander F. Ogger
Our company
HENSOLDT is a leading company in the European defence industry with a global reach. Based in Taufkirchen near Munich, the company develops sensor solutions for defence and security applications. As a system integrator, HENSOLDT offers platform-independent, networked sensors. At the same time, the company is driving forward the development of defence electronics and optronics as a technology leader and investing in new solutions based on software-defined defence.
In addition, the company is expanding its range of offers to include new service models and is extending its portfolio of system solutions. In 2024, HENSOLDT achieved a turnover of 2.24 billion euros. Following the acquisition of ESG GmbH, the company employs around 9,000 people. HENSOLDT is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the MDAX.
About AVILUS
AVILUS is a manufacturer and certified operator (EASA LUC) of a new class of unmanned aerial systems with take-off weights of up to one tonne. This closes an existing technological gap between small UAVs with limited range and payload on the one hand and manned aircraft or type-certified large drones on the other. Due to its high payloads, AVILUS' new class of drones is suitable for casualty evacuation, logistics, reconnaissance and support missions. The portfolio includes the ‘Grille’, a fully electric multicopter for evacuation missions up to approx. 50 kilometres, the ‘Wespe’, a versatile rotary wing aircraft with a combustion engine for transport, casualty evacuation and support up to approx. 300 kilometres, and the Bussard, a fixed-wing aircraft with a range of up to 2,500 kilometres, 14 hours of flight time and a payload of 150 kilograms for strategic long-range reconnaissance and deep missions.
www.avilus.com
