EKOLOT Aerospace & Defense (EAD) has unveiled the new ZEUS PHOENIX PX-100, a hybrid multi-rotor tactical UAV designed to carry out a wide range of dual-purpose missions in complex operational environments. Designed for both defence applications and civil protection, critical logistics and emergency response operations, it’s the latest addition to Ekolot Aerospace & Defence’s ZEUS family of platforms, a new and advanced generation of VTOL aircraft.
The ZEUS PHOENIX PX-100 features a hybrid propulsion with onboard power generation and redundant electrical distribution, offers an operational endurance of up to 4 hours, depending on configuration, and allows for the rapid integration of sensors and payloads. Furthermore, it can carry a payload of up to 30 kilograms, with a mission range of up to 140 kilometres, and is capable of operating in temperatures ranging from 10 °C below zero to over 50 °C. Its service ceiling is 3,250 metres above sea level, with a cruising speed of between 15 and 45 km/h and a maximum speed of 54 km/h.
The system is designed for BVLOS operations (beyond the operator’s line of sight) and features AES-256 encrypted command, control, telemetry and video links.  The aircraft has an ITAR-free architecture, which facilitates its integration into international programmes and its access to numerous markets due to reduced reliance on authorisations.
The ZEUS PHOENIX PX-100 has been designed for rapid deployment, with the capability to be operational in as little as 10 minutes. Its hybrid multi-rotor configuration, combined with automatic waypoint navigation, an architecture featuring three independent inertial units, a ballistic parachute for emergency recovery, a return-to-home system, resistance to sustained winds of 12 m/s and gusts of up to 20 m/s, an independent Flight Termination System, multi-constellation GNSS integration and compatibility with RTK (Real-Time Kinematic, a GNSS positioning technique that uses real-time corrections to achieve centimetre-level accuracy) reinforce its safety and operational resilience.
The system supports a modular ISR suite, which can incorporate an EO/IR camera, LiDAR, an IMSI catcher and SAR radar, making it a useful solution for tactical surveillance, monitoring of critical infrastructure, the collection of georeferenced evidence and support for public safety missions.
One of the key features of the ZEUS PHOENIX PX-100 is its ability to deliver supplies to areas where terrain, distance or urgency prevent conventional access. To this end, it incorporates two delivery methods: Drop-Box concept for rapid package deployment and Rope & Hook winch delivery concept for vertical supply lowering (up to 30 m rope option) Typical cargo includes medical kits, food, water, communications equipment, batteries, portable electrical equipment, urgent spare parts and other critical supplies. This capability reduces staff exposure and enables faster distribution in open or restricted areas.
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