DEFENDER 480 – Long-Range VTOL UAV

Featuring an efficient internal combustion engine with a long range tank, the DEFENDER 480 stretches flight times. This exceptional endurance allows the UAV to cover vast areas and conduct prolonged missions without interruption, ensuring comprehensive surveillance capabilities.

DEFENDER 480 – Long-Range VTOL UAV

The Defender 480 is a next-generation hybrid UAV platform, combining the endurance of a fixed-wing aircraft with the agility of a VTOL rotor system.

Powered by an efficient gasoline engine and equipped with quad electric lift motors, it is capable of fully autonomous vertical takeoff and landing in any environment—no runway required. With up to 8 hours of flight time, a 150 km communication range, and the ability to carry 15 kg of modular payloads, the Defender 480 is built for strategic reconnaissance, surveillance, and security operations in the most demanding conditions.

Technical Specifications

Wingspan: Wingspan 4.80 m
Length: 2.60 m
Max Takeoff Weight: 70 kg
Maximum Payload: 15 kg
Endurance: 8 h (with 5 kg payload)
Cruise Speed: 100–150 km/h
Ceiling: 4,000 m
Max Wind Resistance: 12 m/s (Level 6)
Communication Range: 150 km
Powerplant: Two-stroke gasoline engine + 4 electric VTOL motors
Operating Temp: -10°C to +55°C

Typical Applications

Long-range ISR and target acquisition

Border and coastal surveillance

Military and police aerial operations

Disaster response and live situational awareness

Infrastructure and pipeline monitoring

Payload Options

The Defender 480 features a highly capable Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) payload, complemented by advanced scene processing and tracking capabilities.

Full HD EO sensor with 45x zoom
Dual IR sensors (35mm and 14mm) with 40mK sensitivity
Laser pointer and illuminator (NVG-compatible)
Automatic object tracking and onboard recording
Moving target indicator with geolocation
Optional SATCOM integration for beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS)

Integrated Features:

Electronic Image Stabilization
Laser illuminator/pointer (Class IIIb, NVG-visible)
H.264 encoded video output (IP stream)
Onboard 32 GB flash memory (in-flight recording)
Real-time video download and snapshot
Moving Target Indicator (MTI)
Automatic object tracking and scene steering
Geo-location system with INS & GPS
Moving map plugin (live gimbal field-of-view overlay)

Ground Control Station (GCS)

Dual-operator interface (flight & payload control)
Military-grade hard-shell briefcase housing
Dual high-brightness screens
Frequency Bands: 1.4 GHz / 2.4 GHz / 5.8 GHz
Datalink Encryption: AES 128/256
Adaptive frequency hopping
Fly Modes: Auto waypoint / manual
Mission Planning:
- Full auto takeoff & landing
- Circle/hover mode for inspection
- Real-time route edits
- Auto/manual switch anytime

Antenna Options: