French drone developer Elistair has teamed with Rheinmetall Canada to offer a combined aerial-terrestrial drone solution for military users.
The consortium will provide customers with Elistair’s proprietary Khronos “drone-in-a-box” system and Rheinmetall’s Mission Master unmanned ground vehicle (UGV).
This strategic partnership followed the completion of a Khronos and Mission Master demonstration for undisclosed EU militaries at the German company’s test track in Québec, Defence Industry Europe reported.
“We are very excited to be collaborating with a major defense contractor like Rheinmetall Canada,” Elistair CEO Guilhem de Marliave stated.
“By combining their Mission Master family of UGVs with our push-button, long-endurance, automated KHRONOS drone, Rheinmetall Canada can provide customers with an advanced solution for unmanned reconnaissance and convoy escort.”
Khronos/Mission Master Autonomous Suite
Debuting last year, the Khronos is a tethered aerial platform deployable in under two minutes and coming with a specialized case. The drone can launch from a moving vehicle and sustain day/night operations for 24 hours with a 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) area coverage.
The 30-kilogram (66-pound) aircraft can fly in extreme weather conditions and across fields without a Global Navigation Satellite System, Global Positioning System, or radio frequency connections.
Meanwhile, the Mission Master UGV provides assistance and safety for dismounted troops over a range of 450 kilometers (280 miles) without replenishment and an additional 50 kilometers (31 miles) when the batteries run out.
The compact platform incorporates space to transport light payloads such as section sensors and weapon systems
It is powered with a low-signature electric motor for high-risk situations requiring agility and stealth mobility systems and software programmed to follow personnel as a “buddy” during missions.
“The Mission Master family of UGVs can carry a variety of [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] payloads,” Rheinmetall Canada Business Development and Innovation VP Alain Tremblay stated.
“But KHRONOS definitely has its advantages, and we see international interest given its innovative capacity to adapt to current and future complex theatres of operation.”
