Unmanned aerial system (UAS) specialist Tekever has unveiled a new system comprising a primary ‘mother’ unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can deploy and co-ordinate a swarm of smaller UAVs. The system, known as the ARX, made its public debut at the Xponential exhibition, which was held in San Diego from 22 to 25 April 2024.
The ARX features onboard artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) capabilities and a fully modular payload configuration supporting sensors and a deployable cargo. Tekever says the system “is set to have its commercial debut in 2025” and “will significantly enhance surveillance and life-saving capabilities for both civilian and military organisations”.
The main ARX UAV has a maximum take-off weight of 600 kg and is designed to offer a combination of long-range endurance, advanced onboard AI/ML capabilities, satellite communication and mesh connectivity, and readiness for GNSS-denied environments.
The ARX’s fully modular payload configuration includes options for heavylift cargo missions but also offers a wide array of sensor choices, such as electro-optical/infra-red, miniature multispectral or hyperspectral cameras, light detection and ranging (lidar), synthetic aperture radar, or signals/communications/electronic intelligence payloads.
“Performing wide-area surveillance missions often raises significant challenges, as military and security forces need to choose between systems that can project sensors to significant distances during long periods and systems that can get closer and observe situations with additional detail. The ARX will deliver the best of both worlds, enabling long-range and long-endurance missions and combining powerful onboard sensors with the ability to carry and release a swarm of smaller drones for detailed observation and inspection from much shorter distances,” Tekever explained in a press release. “This ground breaking capability will unlock new possibilities when supporting far-reaching surveillance missions both at sea and over land, identifying threats, fighting wildfires, detecting oil spills, or inspecting suspicious vessels.”
The ARX will join Tekever’s established UAS portfolio, which includes the AR3, AR4 and AR5 systems. All of these share common electronics and software architecture, enabling the re-use of ground segment elements, cross-training of operators, and efficient logistics, maintenance and support processes. This approach, according to Tekever, also enables each system to benefit from the rapid evolution of the other.
The ARX also features a digital twin, which is used for simulation, integration, testing, monitoring and maintenance as well as facilitating more efficient training, sensor integration and maintenance, support and evolution processes.
“We’re thrilled to announce the ARX, which is one of the world’s most advanced drones in its class,” Ricardo Mendes, Tekever’s CEO, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “It marks a significant step forward for Tekever. It is our first drone to include swarm capabilities, which enables it to carry out complex missions, revolutionising surveillance and search-and-rescue operations in both the civilian and military worlds.”
