9Z - Bussard

Intelligence. Surveillance.

The quality of every response depends on the quality of the information available. Bussard provides persistent situational awareness through long-endurance autonomous operations, enabling informed decisions across defense, civil protection and humanitarian missions. From intelligence and surveillance to precision target designation, it delivers the information needed when every decision matters.

Bussard fixed-wing reconnaissance drone parked in a hangar under a skylight.
Top view of the Bussard drone's grey tail section and fuselage seam.
Front view of the Bussard drone's nose, propeller, and wings from above.
Close-up of the Bussard drone's dark fuselage and wing joint in low light.
Side view of the Bussard 9Z-01 fixed-wing drone with Avilus tail markings in a hangar.
Sensor gimbal turret and landing gear wheel beneath the Bussard drone.
Close-up of the Bussard drone's propeller blade and spinner.
No-step marking on the Bussard drone's wing root panels.
Flares module, static port, and warning labels on the Bussard drone's fuselage.
Avilus logo and 9Z-01 designation on the Bussard drone's tail.
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Use Cases

Bussard - Target Designation

Intelligence

Information Drives Response.

The quality of every response depends on the quality of the information behind it. Bussard transforms persistent observation into actionable intelligence, enabling confident decisions across defense, civil protection and humanitarian missions. By combining long-endurance autonomous flight with advanced sensing technologies, it provides the clarity needed before action begins.

Bussard - Wide-Area Surveillance

Surveillance

Seeing Before It Matters.

The best response begins before an emergency unfolds. Bussard provides persistent surveillance over vast operational areas, detecting changes, emerging risks and developing incidents before they escalate. Whether monitoring borders, coastlines, forests or critical infrastructure, it delivers the continuous situational awareness needed to protect people, assets and operation

Features

Lean Deployment

Operates from short grass strips or improvised runways. Minimal infrastructure, maximum flexibility.

Bussard – Lean Deployment

Strategic Performance

2,500 km range and 14-hour endurance enable deep ISR and long-range support missions.

Bussard – Strategic Performance

High-End Sensor Suite

Equipped with Hensoldt ARGOS electro-optical system and Hensoldt PrecISR radar for day-night, all-weather ISR.

Bussard – High-End Sensor Suite

Active Self-Protection

Optional flare-based countermeasure system increases survivability in contested airspace.

Bussard – Active Self-Protection

Built-In Redundancy

Redundancies in avionics and integrated parachute system ensure operational and flight safety.

Bussard – Built-In Redundancy

Resilient Navigation

Inertial navigation enables autonomous flight. GNSS-independent and jamming-resistant.

Bussard – Resilient Navigation

RasCore Ground

Modular Operation
Configurable operator roles for mission command, medical support and payload control tailored to operational requirements.
Mobile Deployment
Ruggedized, man-portable case system deployable across vehicles, command posts or mobile operations.
Mission Integration
Fully integrated with standard battle management systems for seamless access to live operational data.
Force Multiplication
High levels of automation enable two operators to manage and monitor multiple concurrent missions.
Modular Operation
Configurable operator roles for mission command, medical support and payload control tailored to operational requirements.
Mobile Deployment
Ruggedized, man-portable case system deployable across vehicles, command posts or mobile operations.
Mission Integration
Fully integrated with standard battle management systems for seamless access to live operational data.
Force Multiplication
High levels of automation enable two operators to manage and monitor multiple concurrent missions.

Technical Data

Enclosing Diameter
7.8 m (25 ft)
Propeller Diameter
1.8 m (5.9 ft)
Packing Size
20 ft ISO-Container
Cruise Speed
170 km/h (92 kts)
Max. Speed
290 km/h (156 kts)
Service Ceiling
7600 m (25000 ft)
Max. Range
2500 km (1350 NM)
Max. Endurance
14 h
Take-Off Distance
400 m (1312 ft)
Landing Distance
300 m (984 ft)
Radar Payload
65 kg (143 lb)
Optical Payload
53 kg (117 lb)
Self-Protection Payload
24 kg (53 lb)
Total Payload
142 kg (313 lb)
Max. Takeoff Weight
800 kg (1764 lb)
Max. Power
117 kW (160 HP)
Engine
Turbo-charged piston engine or regenerative, multi-fuel turbine
Navigation
Satellite and inertial navigation
Data Links
Multiple LOS and BLOS links
Rescue System
Automated ballistic parachute deployment
Ground Control
Duplex GCS integrated in mobile PECC
Battle Management
Integrated for planning and monitoring
Safety
Fail-safe system design
Flight Control
Dissimilar primary and secondary system

FAQ

Bussard

An optional active flare system can be integrated upon request for protection.

Bussard

Yes. The platform supports modular payloads within standard weight and balance limits. Sensors and other mission-specific equipment can be integrated.

General

The unmanned aircraft is equipped with inertial navigation, making it independent from GNSS or external signals. All missions are executed fully automatically, so no continuous C2 link is required.

General

No. All flights are executed fully automatically and only require mission supervision. No direct piloting.

General

Yes. The unmanned aircraft is designed for interoperability and can integrate with standard command and control systems through open interfaces and software integration. This enables coordinated operations across multinational forces and partner organizations.

General

Yes. The system is fully ITAR-free and uses components compliant with European export frameworks.

General

Yes. The unmanned aircraft is designed for operations beyond military environments. Authorized under the EASA Specific Category, it can be deployed in civilian airspace where applicable and in accordance with the relevant regulatory framework.

Discover a New Class of Unmanned Aircraft