German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems announced it is developing a mothership drone named Sparta. A company spokesperson stated that the system is currently being developed in Ukraine and is expected to enter mass production by the end of this year. He also noted that the current design is still a prototype, meaning individual features (such as the landing system) can be adjusted in the production configuration.
A mothership drone is an unmanned system capable of carrying other drones that can be launched in mid-air. This can significantly extend the range of the carried systems. Additionally, by “pre-deploying” drones in the operational area via the mothership, the response time for strikes on ground or aerial targets can be reduced, or loitering time in the operational zone can be increased.
According to Quantum Systems, Sparta can accommodate modular payloads, such as other drones or various sensor systems, allowing for flexible mission profiles. Therefore, Sparta can serve not only as a mothership drone but also as a reconnaissance platform, offering long endurance comparable to other drones in its weight class.
Sparta features a slender fuselage and long, narrow wings, reminiscent of classic glider designs. The drone also has an upward-facing V-tail and an electric propulsion propeller mounted at the rear. Its design likely aims to maximize lift for payload carriage while achieving the longest possible flight time.
(Quantum Systems’ Twister drone)
This may explain why Quantum Systems removed vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability, which is a hallmark of their other drones. Unlike the Vector, Twister, and Reliant, Sparta is catapult-launched. According to the spokesperson, the drone can perform so-called deep stall landing maneuvers, approaching the ground at very low speed and performing a controlled belly landing.
The manufacturer specifies the mothership drone’s endurance at 6 to 8 hours, with an operational radius of 200 km. The system’s maximum takeoff weight (including payload) is reported to be 23 kg, with approximately 8 kg allocated for payload. Sparta has one payload attachment point on each wing.
