Rheinmetall Luna NG
LUNA NG is one of the fixed-wing drone platforms developed by Rheinmetall for surveillance in military environments
LUNA NG is a platform developed by Rheinmetall (formerly EMT) for inspection and surveillance missions in harshes environments. This high-performance UAV stands for its high quality and the reliable, versatile and high-performance aerial equipment installed. Its application is ideal for both military and civil purposes. Embention works together with the German company to cover two dimensions of the aerial platform. The first one is to develop a VTOL version of the platform with fully autonomous flight capabilities. The second one is to use Veronte Autopilot and Embention’s extensive experience in certification for system certification with the German military aviation authority.
This 5.3 m wingspan aircraft has been in service since 2000. The 4x Veronte Autopilot has allowed the certification of the system, being the first company to pass VVZ1 TC and VVZ2 TC with LufABw in Germany.
This UAV belongs to one of the main product lines in Rheinmetall (formerly EMT). The fixed-wing drone together with Veronte Autopilot becomes an essential tool for surveillance, thanks to the ease of operation in any weather condition and its ability to operate in both, day and night missions. Actions such as command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance or identification are executed with total versatility with the Luna NG.
Versatility in Payloads
LUNA NG has a wide malleability and the possibility of incorporating sophisticated and advanced payloads. Missions in various countries precede the success of the platform since its launch. Their capacities have been tested under critical weather conditions and in areas with extreme conditions (such as the arctic, desert or jungle areas). Overcoming these conditions not only with success but with efficiency makes LUNA NG platform to become a milestone in terms of operation, profitability and reliability. Both, in military and civil operations.
The innovation and engineering behind LUNA NG are based on extended automation and the simplification of procedures. For this reason, the assembly and operation process requires low effort and does not require personnel with advanced aeronautical knowledge.
Modular Structure and Cutting Edge Construction
LUNA NG performance is higher than other unmanned systems in its category. This is thanks to its robust construction and modular structure. Furthermore, it can be easily transported in any vehicle without needing large transports as happens with other aircrafts.
The structure of the UAV is made of plastic material reinforced with fibreglass and carbon fibre. For this reason, its structural load is very light. The construction allows it to have a long operational life and provides low acoustic emission level and radar footprint.
In addition, LUNA NG has an optional module that makes possible the vertical take-off. Embention had the pleasure of moderating the first flights for showing the ability to take off in VTOL mode. It can also continue functioning as a fixed-wing by removing adaptation pods.
Silent Gliding Without Engine
One of the unique features of the LUNA NG is its ability to glide without using engine power. Therefore, without acoustic signals. After the engine stop, the platform can restart the engine in flight without losing aircraft control. The advantage of this is that LUNA NG can carry out missions where the flight can be performed in total silence so the UAV can not be recognized when flying through a designated area.
The datalink provided in the platform allows data to be transmitted in real-time to the ground control station. It is also possible to execute fully autonomous missions without the need of signal radio emissions.
Safe Landing System
Another distinguishing feature in the UAV LUNA NG is the capacity to start a safe landing in case of a failure or an unexpected event. It incorporates a high-performance parachute release system for landing. This functionality, developed jointly with Embention, in compliance with the DO-178C standard for software development and the DO-254 standard for hardware development make it the safest platform in its category.
