FLANQ unveils Q-RECON to advance European maritime defence operations
FLANQ, the German-based maritime defence solutions provider, has launched Q-RECON, its first European-designed and built Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) for operations in the littoral domain.
Developed in response to an urgent operational requirement from a European customer, Q-RECON is a lightweight, two-metre long, two-man portable USV designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical interdiction.
The 30 kg internal payload bay accommodates a range of sensors, including 360°-night vision and multi-spectral cameras, making it suitable for covert monitoring, infrastructure inspections, and beach landing surveys. Q-RECON delivers reliable performance and adaptability across diverse naval mission scenarios, including single-use applications, making it a valuable asset for naval special forces.
Powered by dual FLANQ-designed vectored jet drives, Q-RECON offers agile manoeuvrability and burst speeds of up to 30 knots. Its navigational suite features onboard autopilot, GPS, IMU, and optional dead-reckoning capability, ensuring seamless operations even in GNSS-denied environments.
At the core of its mission versatility is FLANQ’s proprietary Q-KONTROL and Q-MIND hardware and software stack, enabling simplified in-theatre payload reconfiguration and autonomous route planning, essential for real-time adaptation in dynamic operational settings.
? Chief Technology Officer at FLANQ, , Jannik Sauer: “Q-RECON has gone from concept to in-water testing in around 120 days – testimony to the speed of innovation in the European defence sector and the demand for affordable maritime autonomous systems. Our customer came to us with a very specific feature list, including price, portability, and 100% European content. Q-RECON is our response to those challenges.”
Q-RECON is making its industry debut at the Combined Naval Event in Farnborough, UK this week, where it will be displayed on FLANQ’s stand, F24.
?? Source: FLANQ