Quantum-Systems, Rapid Response Defense Systems Partner to Provide ISR Drones to State Department

Rapid Response Defense Systems has selected the electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle provider Quantum-Systems Inc. as a subcontractor for a $30 million Department of State indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for mid-range unmanned aircraft systems.

The two companies will deliver the Vector fixed-wing eVTOL UAS and provide operator training to end users. According to Quantum-Systems, Vector is a small UAS that works to deliver automated aerial data capturing and other ISR capabilities. It has a data link range of about 22 miles, a three-hour maximum flight time, a flight range of about 112 miles and a top cruising speed of 39 knots.

The IDIQ has a five-year performance period, Quantum-Systems said Tuesday.

The contract award comes amid a series of air- and space-based ISR developments across the U.S. military.

In July, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency tasked Northrop Grumman to design an autonomous uncrewed aircraft system that can provide ISR and situational awareness support to U.S. Navy ships. The UAS should be able to carry a 60-lb sensor payload and operate up to 20 hours across a 100-nm radius without additional infrastructure.

In June, the U.S. Space Force announced that a study on space-based ISR would be concluded soon. According to Gen. David Thompson, vice chief of space operations at the Space Force, the study seeks to answer questions about imagery satellite tasking and ISR responsibilities division.