EDEX 2021: EDGE displays QX family of loitering munitions.

The UAE-based company ADASI, a subdivision of EDGE, presents at EDEX 2021 its range of loitering munitions (also called kamikaze drones), based on a quadcopter design UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle).

QX Family (Picture source: EDGE)

The QX family of loitering munitions includes four products: the QX-1, a micro-UAV, QX-2, a mini-UAV, QX-3, a small UAV, and QX-4, which features an impressive vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing design. The family was first unveiled at IDEX 2021.

The loitering munition is a weapon system category in which the munitions loiter around a target area for some time, search for targets, and attack once a target is located and selected. Loitering munitions enable faster reaction times against concealed or hidden targets that emerge for short periods without placing high-value platforms close to the target area, and also allow more selective targeting, as the actual attack mission can be aborted.

All QX precision-guided systems use sophisticated AI algorithms to target and strike, boasting an accuracy of 1 m CEP (circular error probable) – with an aim similar to laser guided munitions. Built to launch in any environment or terrain, the entire QX family of UAVs are lightweight, man portable, and comprise vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities.

The ADASI QX-1 loitering munition was displayed for the first time to the public during IDEX, International Land Defense Exhibition, February 2021. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The QX-1 is a loitering munition or kamikaze drone using an aerial drone able to carry a payload like a single bomb. This type of system provides military forces with an effective small-footprint tool to make discrete, targeted attacks with accuracy and effectiveness.

The QX-1 quadcopter system consists of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), a ground control unit, and a payload. This VTOL UAV has a maximum take-off weight of 3 kg. It also features a compact airframe and can easily be stored and carried in a backpack. It features multiple fuse options to meet any mission requirement. The front of the drone is fitted with a gimbal optical system that includes a TV/Thermal camera tracker and seeker. The drone is also equipped with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). It has a maximum payload of 0.5 kg.

The QX-1 is electrically powered by four coaxial brushless motors using replaceable batteries. Each motor drives a two-blade propeller fitted to the end of the arm. The drone has a service ceiling of 2,000 m and has a flight endurance of up to 20 minutes. It can fly at a maximum range of 10 km with a maximum cruising altitude of 1,000 m.

QX-2 mini-UAV can carrry and deliver small precision-guided weapon , or serve as a kamikaze UAV with an embedded warhead (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The QX-2 loitering munitions system provides infantry and special forces with a portable drone capable of carrying and delivering a precision-guided weapon or deploying in kamikaze configuration with an embedded warhead at a stand-off range of 20 km for flexible mission scenarios.

With a maximum take-off weight of 8 kg, the electric quadcopter can be fitted with 1.5 kg of payloads, such as surveillance EO/IR gimbal in addition to the armed payload for pre- and postattack information gathering. QX-2 mini-UAV has an endurance of 30 minutes for a cruising altitude of 1,000’ and ceiling altitude that can reach 2,000’.

The ADASI QX-3 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle loitering munition was showcased at IDEX 2021, International Land Defense Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE, February 2021. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The QX-3 loitering munition system puts a powerful aerial capability in the hands of infantry and special forces through a 20-kg UAV with a capacity of up to 4 precision-guided munitions, depending on the platform. With onboard video and multiple weapons, the system empowers operators to respond to changing realities in real-time, providing robust support to ground operations.

Transportable by light vehicle and available in both multi-rotor and fixed-wing Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) versions, the QX-3 loitering munitions offer a standoff range of 40 km and an endurance of up to 90 minutes with VTOL version or 40 minutes with a multi-rotor version.

The QX-3 kamikaze drone can be remotely controlled by a single operator using a ground control station, allowing the control of the quadcopter to set the flight path and manage payloads during the flight. The QX-3 can carry a maximum payload of 6 kg in multi-role version and 2.5 to 5 kg in quadcopter configuration.

The ADASI QX-4 UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle loitering munition unveiled at IDEX 2021, International Land Defense Exhibition that was held in Abu Dhabi, February 2021. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The QX-4 is the largest variant of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) loitering munitions designed by ADASI in the QX-family, but it is based on a different design consisting of a fuselage with fixed-wings and a twin-tail configuration with the control structures arranged in V-shape.

It s electrically powered by four twin-blade propellers, with two mounted at the rear of the fuselage and one mounted on the lower part of each wing. It features vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities. The landing gear consists of 4 skid shoes without any wheel.

The UAV is equipped with an electro-optic gimbal fitted on the lower part of the drone's nose which is equipped with TV/Thermal tracker and seeker. The operator can control the QX-4 thanks to a ground control station with a communication link providing video and control data capabilities.

It has a maximum takeoff weight of 20 kg. It can easily be transported on a light vehicle. It has an operational ceiling of 2,000 m and a cruising altitude of 1,000 m. The drone has a flight range of 40 km and a flight endurance of 90 min.

The QX-4 has a payload from 2.5 to 5 kg that can include up to two precision-guided bombs. The precision-guided systems use sophisticated Artificial Intelligence algorithms to target and strike, boasting an accuracy of 1 m CEP (circular error probable) – with an aim similar to laser-guided munitions.

EDEX 2021: