Armed turboprop could also conduct roles including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Quantum Systems has taken the wraps off its Pulse P19 – an optionally-piloted design which it is targeting at the emerging counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) market.
Revealed at the ILA Berlin air show on 10 June, the single-engined type will have a maximum take-off weight of 4,200kg (9,260lb) in military guise, including a usable payload of up to 2,500kg.
On display as a subscale model, the aircraft has a total of six underwing pylons, which could be used to carry weapons including laser-guided missiles, or air-launched effects. It also would be equipped with an electro-optical/infrared sensor, and potentially an active electronically scanned array radar.
Its German developer says the platform “combines the flexibility of a modern mission aircraft with the ability to operate in both manned and unmanned configurations, giving operators a wider variety of mission profiles, like ISR [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance], training and C-UAS flights”.
“Instead of choosing between a manned aircraft and an unmanned system, we designed a platform that brings both worlds together,” says chief engineer Lars Peter. “The result is an aircraft that combines speed, endurance and affordability with a clear pathway towards autonomy.”
He notes that the company’s design activity also involved “rethinking how a modern cockpit design integrates tactical management software and interfaces for the pilots”.
“Armed forces need capabilities that are faster, more affordable and scalable enough to keep pace with emerging threats,” says Quantum co-chief executive Florian Seibel. He adds that the new platform “marks our ambition to become the leading neo-prime for the unmanned era”.
The Pulse P19 would be able to operate at a maximum altitude of 25,000ft, with a cruise speed of up to 290kt (536km/h), and an endurance of around 11h, potentially boosted via the use of additional external fuel tanks.
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