DUBAI—The UAE’s EDGE Group has added an additional two remotely piloted air systems to its growing product line of autonomous platforms.
EDGE’s Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments (ADASI) business has put on display full-size replicas of its new QX-5 and QX-6 vertical-take-off-and-landing (VTOL) systems here at the Dubai Airshow. The two new products are part of its extensive QX-line, which also includes electric-powered loitering munitions.
The QX-5 is a fixed-wing twin-boom platform with a 110-kg (242-lb.) maximum take-off weight. Powered by four conventional piston engines, QX-5 relies on its fixed-wing for cruise flight with a claimed endurance of up to 16 hr. operating at altitudes of 15,000 ft.
It is joined by the 500-kg QX-6, a cargo-hauling multi-copter powered by four piston engines.
According to EDGE, the QX-6 will be able to lift a payload of up to 150 kg and has an endurance of up to four hours. EDGE appears to be targeting the QX-6 for commercial and military use, with the idea of using it to support offshore oil and gas platforms. Its size could also make it applicable to the so-called last-mile challenge of providing supplies to troops on the front line. EDGE claims the QX-6 also could sling load its cargo if the items are too bulky to fit into its internal cargo container.
Established in late 2019, EDGE is a holding company for the UAE’s defense companies and startups. EDGE has consolidated some 25 companies owned by Emirates Defense Industries Company, Emirates Advanced Investments Group and Tawazun Holding under a single umbrella organization.
