Tekever unveils new ARX drone with swarming capabilities at Xponential in US.

On April 23, 2024, at the Xponential event in San Diego, TEKEVER, the Portuguese unmanned aerial systems (UAS) company, introduced the ARX, its largest and first swarm-capable UAS, set for commercial launch in 2025. This drone represents a significant advancement for the company, capable of deploying and coordinating a swarm of smaller drones.
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The ARX is capable of conducting wide-area surveillance missions, a significant challenge for military and security forces that must choose between systems that can project sensors over large distances for extended periods and systems that can get closer to observing situations in greater detail (Picture source: TEKEVER)

The ARX is equipped with onboard artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) capabilities and features a fully modular payload configuration that supports various sensors and deployable cargo. It is designed to revolutionize surveillance and rescue operations for both civilian and military organizations. With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 600 kg, the ARX combines long-range endurance, advanced AI/ML capabilities, SATCOM and mesh connectivity, and readiness for GNSS-denied environments.

Its flexible payload configuration includes options for heavy lifting, sensors, or cargo, offering a broad range of sensor choices such as optical and infrared (EO/IR), multispectral and hyperspectral (MS/HS), LIDAR, as well as automatic identification systems (AIS, ADSB), synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and signal intelligence (SIGINT/COMINT/ELINT), among others. These features, integrated within a compact platform with a minimal logistical footprint, are set to transform the long-range market landscape.

The ARX is capable of conducting wide-area surveillance missions, a significant challenge for military and security forces that must choose between systems that can project sensors over large distances for extended periods and systems that can get closer to observing situations in greater detail. The ARX delivers the best of both worlds, enabling long-range and long-endurance missions while combining powerful onboard sensors with the ability to carry and release a swarm of smaller drones for detailed observation and inspection at much shorter distances. This innovative capability opens up new possibilities for supporting extensive surveillance missions at sea and over land, identifying threats, fighting wildfires, detecting oil spills, or inspecting suspicious vessels.

The ARX will join TEKEVER's successful family of UAS systems, which already include the AR3, AR4, and AR5. All these systems share a common electronic and software architecture, allowing for the reuse of ground segment elements, facilitated cross-training of operators, and highly efficient logistics, maintenance, and support processes. This architecture also enables each system to benefit from the rapid evolution of the others, which is particularly important in today's highly contested military environments.

The ARX will be marketed with a Digital Twin, a model of the system that serves as an indistinguishable digital counterpart for practical purposes such as simulation, integration, testing, monitoring, and maintenance. This innovative system will greatly enhance the efficiency of operator training, new sensor integrations, and the processes of maintenance, support, and continuous evolution.

Defense News April 2024