Quantum Systems, a German company best known for its unmanned aerial and ground systems, has expanded into maritime technology, unveiling its first two autonomous naval vehicles: the surface drone Seavex and the underwater drone Subvex.
The launch marks the company's move into naval unmanned systems, following its established work in air and land drones.
Seavex surface drone
Seavex is built for long-term monitoring of maritime conditions and can remain in operation for up to two months at a time, according to Quantum Systems. The vessel carries radars, optical sensors and onboard artificial intelligence. It can also work alongside other unmanned systems, including launching and recovering drones during a mission.
Subvex underwater drone
Subvex is an underwater drone capable of operating at depths of up to 6 kilometres, a depth greater than the average depth of the world's oceans. It is fitted with sonar and acoustic sensors for search operations and data collection. Quantum Systems said Subvex can stay in motion for up to four days, while in surveillance mode it can remain on the seabed for several weeks.
Integration with MOSAIC UXS and sea trials
Both new vehicles have been integrated with Quantum Systems' MOSAIC UXS platform, which links unmanned systems operating in the air, on land and at sea into a single network. The company plans to test Seavex and Subvex during sea trials in Portugal.
Quantum Systems said the drones could be used to guard maritime borders, monitor underwater activity, and protect ports and other critical infrastructure.
Quantum Systems' other drone projects
Quantum Systems is also known for the Vector, a fixed-wing reconnaissance drone used by Ukrainian and German forces. The company previously announced a ground-based autonomous robot called Mandrill, which it said can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour.
It has also emerged that the Ukrainian company Frontline and Quantum Systems will open a joint drone production facility in Germany.
