Reconnaissance UAVs by the German Quantum Systems, that opened a plant in Ukraine in 2024, should receive the possibility of a rather specific upgrade for much more effective detection of enemy artillery. This was done in a rather non-obvious way - due to an acoustic sensor.
In fact, we are talking about a microphone that is installed on the drone and allows, as Hartpunkt writes with reference to Quantum Systems representatives, to detect the direction from which artillery and mortar shots were fired at a distance of 15 km with an accuracy of 5 degrees per 5 km, which is quite enough for approximate localization and detailed search using cameras.
Read more: German UAV Company Manufacturer Has Opened Service Centers in Ukraine
On the part of Defense Express, we note that the idea of installing an acoustic counter-battery sensor on a drone means not just a question of its placement, but rather complex algorithms for processing sound and separating noise of propellers and air flow. But this is exactly what was decided, and this was done in Quantum Systems' subsidiary - Polish Weles Acoustics.
It is also noted that the dimensions of the acoustic sensor itself are quite miniature - the size of an index finger, and the weight - a few grams. This allows it to be installed on any reconnaissance UAV of the company - Twister, Vector as well as Reliant. On the other hand, installing the sensor on drones of other manufacturers is obviously more of a commercial than a technical issue.
Currently, the developed acoustic sensor is at the prototype stage, but, as Quantum Systems plans, its serial production should begin in the summer of 2025. Also, the functionality of the detection system will gradually expand.
At the first stage, the sensor will simply signal the direction from which the sound of a shot was detected. In the future, a mode should be implemented in which the camera should automatically rotate in the desired direction. In parallel, work is underway on algorithms using artificial intelligence elements to classify the artillery system itself that is firing - by its sound signature.
Given that the Vector UAV is very actively used in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it is possible to conclude that the first users of this development will be the Ukrainian military.
Recall that the German government alone financed the transfer of 560 Vector reconnaissance drones to Ukraine. This UAV with a take-off weight of 8.5 kg has vertical take-off and landing, the drone's control range is up to 35 km, and the flight time is 180 minutes. The main tool of this UAV is the Raptor gimbaled sensor, with an optical and thermal imaging channel, which have a zoom of 40x and 8x, respectively.
It performs object detection, classification, and tracking of targets. The sensor can be attached easily in a matter of seconds via a quick-lock mechanism.
As Defense Express reported, earlier the Khyzhak brigade showcased the Vector reconnaissance UAV, a strategic asset in Ukraine’s arsenal.
Read more: Ukraine Will Produce Parts and Assemble German Vector UAVs
