Precision in Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aerial Systems

Established in 2007 and headquartered in Ajdovščina, Slovenia, C-Astral Aerospace has emerged as a global leader in the design, development, and manufacturing of specialized fixed-wing small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). With a focus on high productivity, endurance, and precision, the company serves a diverse clientele across 72 countries, including defense, civil, and industrial sectors.

Company Overview

C-Astral Aerospace is renowned for its expertise in fixed-wing UAS, offering systems that achieve record flight times of up to 3 hours with high data precision. The company’s commitment to quality is evident in its use of aerospace-certified materials such as Kevlar, Vectran, carbon composites, and honeycomb structures, ensuring durability and performance.

The company’s product line includes three families of small UAS systems: BRAMOR, ATLAS (Advanced Technology Light Acquisition System), and the new eVTOL SQA. These systems are designed for various applications, including surveying, remote sensing, and surveillance.

Product Portfolio

Bramor Series

Designed for long-endurance missions requiring high-precision data collection, the BRAMOR series includes:

• Bramor ppX: A survey-grade UAS featuring a 42 MP RGB camera, GNSS PPK capabilities for sub-centimeter accuracy, and an endurance of up to 3 hours. It is ideal for remote sensing and mapping applications.
• Bramor C4EYE: Tailored for real-time video observation and surveillance, this system is equipped with a gyro-stabilized micro-gimbal housing EO/IR sensors and a laser illuminator. It offers an endurance of up to 3.5 hours and a standard data link range of up to 40 km LOS.
• Bramor aGX: Focused on precision agriculture, the aGX model utilizes multispectral UAS mapping and soil sample analysis to optimize fertilizer application.

ATLAS Series

The ATLAS (Advanced Technology Light Acquisition System) series offers compact, tactical UAS solutions:

• ATLAS C4EYE: A hand-launched, water-resistant UAV designed for ISR missions. It features a blended wing body fuselage made of advanced composite materials, providing high stability and a low radar signature. The system has been evaluated by NATO forces and demonstrated capabilities to the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
• ATLAS AS90X: This lightweight fixed-wing drone is designed for first responders and special operations forces. With a flight time of up to 90 minutes and a combined EO/IR payload, it provides rapid situational awareness. The system is bungee-launched, water-resistant, and can be deployed in less than three minutes.

SQA eVTOL

The SQA eVTOL represents C-Astral’s foray into electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing systems:

• SQA eVTOL: A multi-role UAS featuring a blended wing body design with detachable VTOL booms. It boasts an endurance of up to 3 hours and a flight range of up to 160 km. The system is equipped with advanced features such as GNSS jamming/spoofing mitigation, a gyro-stabilized micro-gimbal with EO/IR sensors, laser pointer, and optional secondary sensors. It also includes the latest generation DYN Micro Datalink radio control with live audio and 4K video transmission over a broadband MANET mesh network with AES encryption.

Technological Innovations

C-Astral’s UAS platforms are characterized by their advanced aerodynamics, high payload capacity, and long endurance. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its use of blended wing body designs, which enhance aerodynamic efficiency and stealth characteristics.

The SQA eVTOL, for instance, integrates a gyro-stabilized micro-gimbal with optical and infrared sensors, laser pointer, and optional secondary sensors. It also features the latest generation DYN Micro Datalink radio control with live audio and 4K video transmission over a broadband MANET mesh network with AES encryption.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

C-Astral has engaged in strategic partnerships to enhance its technological offerings and expand its market reach.

• Auterion: The partnership with Auterion has led to the integration of Auterion’s software platform into C-Astral’s SQA2 eVTOL UAS, combining innovative hardware with flexible software solutions.
• Airobotics: Through a reseller partnership, C-Astral markets and operates Airobotics’ Optimus Systems in Europe, focusing on customers in Southeast Europe.

Awards and Recognitions

C-Astral’s commitment to design excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards.

• Red Dot Design Award: The SQA eVTOL Unmanned Aircraft System received the Red Dot: Best of the Best award, one of the most prestigious design awards globally. This recognition places C-Astral among elite companies known for pioneering design products.

Applications and Use Cases

C-Astral’s UAS platforms are utilized across various sectors:

• Defense and Security: The BRAMOR and ATLAS series are employed for ISR missions, target acquisition, and tactical operations by military and special forces.
• Civil Applications: The SQA eVTOL is used for natural disaster monitoring, search and rescue, agricultural process optimization, geodesy, pipeline and power grid monitoring, wildlife migration tracking, and border security

Research and Development

C-Astral is actively involved in research and development, participating in initiatives like the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) program. The company has been instrumental in enabling the first Canadian Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) fixed-wing flight in February 2017.

Conclusion

C-Astral Aerospace stands at the forefront of fixed-wing UAS innovation, offering advanced systems that meet the rigorous demands of both defense and civil applications. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and strategic partnerships, the company continues to shape the future of unmanned aerial systems.