In 2023, Rheinmetall delivered such a drone on behalf of the German government to the Ukraine for its defence campaign. It is one of the latest systems for unmanned airborne reconnaissance, classification and detection of objects.
Thanks to its aerodynamic, ultra-light and highly stable design, the LUNA NG can easily operate on twelve-hour missions. Rheinmetall is presenting the drone at the Eurosatory with its expansion stages for engaging targets and the capability for vertical take-offs and landings (VTOL). The LUNA NG with a glide bomb on display at the Eurosatory is one of several possible configurations.
The fuselage structure of the drone is made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). In addition to a long flight time, it offers a data link range of up to 150 kilometres. This can be increased to an operational range of around 500 kilometres with optional SatCom equipment. The LUNA NG also has a payload capacity of 30kg and two payload compartments. This makes the drone a multi- sensor platform which can be used for various capabilities, from reconnaissance, command and control to tactical missions with weapons.
In September 2023, Rheinmetall received the order to deliver the LUNA NG airborne reconnaissance system to the Bundeswehr. It will be introduced by the German forces as HUSAR. A total of twelve production systems and one pilot system were ordered. The first series system shall be delivered in the second quarter of 2025.
