Dave Sharpin, chief executive of Quantum-Systems Inc., the US arm of Germany's Quantum Systems, posted images earlier this week of Reliant drones on the production floor of the company's plant in Moorpark, California. “The future is unmanned,” he wrote.
The Reliant takes off and lands vertically and then flies on its wings. Its wings span 3.9 metres, a hybrid-electric power system keeps it in the air for over 10 hours, and the upgraded version announced in July can weigh up to 45 kg at take-off. It is the largest of the company's aircraft, above the Twister and the Vector.
Quantum Systems built the Reliant for long-range reconnaissance. On 28 October Sharpin shared images of an armed version carrying 82 mm mortar rounds and 40 mm grenades on hardpoints under its wings, which can also release smaller drones.
The plant in Moorpark, with 135,000 square feet of floor space, opened in June 2025 to make the Vector AI, Twister and Reliant. In April the US Army awarded Quantum-Systems Inc. $15.3 million to field the Vector AI with Brigade Combat Teams.
Background
Quantum Systems
Organization
German company founded in 2015 and based in Gilching that makes small unmanned aircraft.
More stories about Quantum Systems
Reliant
Long-range drone
Quantum Systems' largest drone, built for long-range reconnaissance, which takes off and lands vertically and flies on its wings.
Dave Sharpin
Chief executive of Quantum-Systems Inc.
The chief executive of Quantum-Systems Inc., the US arm of Quantum Systems.
