Technical information and operational guidance.

The Airboxer is a long-range unmanned helicopter designed for predictable, repeatable performance in real operational environments. Its architecture follows classical helicopter design principles, scaled down for unmanned use. It is not derived from consumer drone technology but built as an aviation-grade platform from the ground up.

The focus is simple: controlled flight behavior, operational safety, and long-term reliability.

UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) refers strictly to the aircraft itself.

UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) includes the aircraft, Ground Control Station and communication systems.

RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) is similar to UAS but emphasizes the remote pilot’s role in operating the system.

In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably, though UAV refers only to the aircraft, while UAS and RPAS refer to the complete operational system.

Rotorcraft are mechanically more complex, but they offer important operational benefits. Vertical Take-Off and Landing means no runway is required, no large obstacle-free departure or approach path needed, no stall speed limitations, and an ability to hover at 0 knots groundspeed.

Hovering capability makes rotorcraft particularly suitable for inspection, surveillance and precision observation missions.

The Airboxer uses a lightweight combustion engine due to fuel’s significantly higher energy density compared to batteries. This enables multi-hour endurance that electric VTOL systems cannot currently match.

Additional advantages include:

• Sustained long-range capability
• Reliable performance in demanding environments
• Refueling in minutes rather than lengthy charging cycles

For year-round, long-endurance professional operations, combustion propulsion remains the most robust and practical solution.

Redundancy is embedded into the architecture:

• Redundant autopilot with multiple CPUs and inertial measurement units
• External sensors supporting stability
• Backup paths in power generation, communication and fuel systems
• Pre-defined and predictable failure modes

If degradation occurs, the aircraft remains controllable through deterministic flight behavior rather than improvised fallback logic.

Yes. The system is designed and documented in accordance with STANAG 4738 operational principles. Its lifecycle documentation supports integration into controlled airspace, military frameworks and governmental environments. Safety is treated as a system characteristic, not dependent on individual pilot skill alone.

Yes. Environmental resilience is built into the design:

• Centrally located avionics module with vibration isolation and EMI shielding
• IP67-rated protection against dust and water
• Corrosion-resistant materials optimized for maritime use
• Protection against saline exposure and electromagnetic interference
• Wide operational temperature range

The aircraft maintains controlled flight behavior even as environmental conditions deteriorate.

Yes. Multiple layers of EMI filtering protect power, payload, data and communication lines. The system is tested in military EMI environments and compliant with MIL-STD-461F-RS103, tolerating field strengths of at least 200 V/m across a wide frequency range.

This allows safe operation in proximity to high-power radiated sources such as naval vessels or airports.

The combustion-based propulsion system and efficient rotor design enable missions exceeding four hours under standard conditions.

The platform supports:

• Long-distance operations up to 50 km line-of-sight
• Sustained hovering for extended on-station time
• Predictable performance scaling with altitude and environmental factors

The Airboxer is designed as an open mission platform. Integrated payloads have included:

• Electro-optical and infrared sensors
• Laser-based systems
• LiDAR
• Magnetometer
• Gas detection systems
• RF spectrum analysis systems

Multiple payload bays and flexible electrical and data interfaces allow integration without redesigning the airframe.

With a Maximum Take-Off Weight of 34 kg, the Airboxer remains highly portable. The aircraft can be transported in a standard van or large vehicle. The Ground Control Station is man-portable, enabling flexible deployment.

Its weight class may also simplify regulatory requirements compared with heavier UAV systems, subject to applicable national regulations. Two operators are required to operate, transport, and deploy the system.

High Eye systems are designed for safe, controlled operations within their intended mission profiles. The architecture emphasizes reliability and predictability rather than unnecessary complexity. The system is not intended for operations directly overhead people or buildings, but it is well suited for a wide range of safety-critical missions.

Each Airboxer system is configured based on the intended mission profile and operational environment. Before issuing a quotation, High Eye works with the customer to define payload requirements, communication setup, operational range and integration needs.

A standard system typically includes:

• The Airboxer helicopter platform
• Ground Control Station
• Selected radio and antenna systems (based on range and environment)
• Operations manuals and documentation
• Theory and practical training

Training is provided at High Eye’s facility in The Netherlands.

Final system configuration, support scope and pricing depend on the specific operational requirements.

The GCS acts as the central hub for controlling and monitoring the aircraft. It connects all antenna systems, payload stations and additional ground equipment.

The GCS is housed in a rugged, sealed case and includes:

• Integrated display system for flight monitoring and mission planning
• Switches, circuit breakers and dedicated control interfaces
• Extended operation without external power
• Capability for permanent integration into ships or vehicles

Display configuration can vary depending on operational requirements.

It is built for use in harsh operational environments.

The GCS can be configured for fixed installation within the vessel or deployed as a portable solution depending on operational requirements. It is compatible with standard operator room configurations, including integration into existing workstations and display systems.

The GCS and Carrier run the same software platform, allowing:

• Real-time flight monitoring
• Mission planning before and during flight
• Task assignment to waypoints
• Automated arrival routes
• Automatic approach and landing

Flight plans can be adjusted dynamically during operations.

The system combines short-range and long-range antenna systems to provide low-latency telemetry and payload data transmission. Communication architecture is designed for robustness and redundancy.

The Airboxer can be configured with either Kongsberg or Silvus radio systems, depending on the customer’s operational requirements and preferred communications architecture.

Available configurations can include:

• MIMO-based communications
• Self-healing mesh networking
• Multi-path connectivity
• Support for multiple frequency bands
• Industry-standard encryption options
• Additional radios for redundancy or distributed data reception

Other radio systems can also be considered for integration where required, subject to technical compatibility and customer-specific preferences.

The SRA supports operations within approximately 15 km. It is compact, self-aligning, dual-polarity and suitable for permanent mounting on vehicles, masts or ships.

The MRA enables operations up to 50 km with high data throughput. It features:

• High-gain tracking
• Self-alignment
• All-weather capability
• Internal IMU stabilization for maritime operations

Two MRAs can be deployed simultaneously to provide omnidirectional coverage in complex environments.

• VLOS (Visual Line Of Sight): Within 500 meters and visible to the pilot.
• EVLOS (Extended Visual Line Of Sight): Beyond 500 meters but still within visual reference.
• BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line Of Sight): No direct visual reference.

Regulations differ per country. The Airboxer can be certified for EVLOS and BVLOS operations. High Eye can assist in certification processes where required.

A conventional private or commercial pilot licence is not required. However, operators and remote pilots must comply with the applicable European and national UAV regulations.

Within the EU, drone operations are governed by the EASA framework under Regulation (EU) 2019/947. Depending on the aircraft, operating environment and level of risk, this may require:

• Open Category competency certificates, such as A1/A3 or A2
• A Specific Category operational authorisation
• Operation under a Standard Scenario (STS)
• Operation under a Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC)

For systems such as the Airboxer, operations will generally fall within the Specific Category and require appropriately trained remote pilots, an approved operational framework and authorisation from the relevant national aviation authority.

High Eye platforms are ITAR-free and classified as dual-use products. For exports outside the European Union, an export license is required, which High Eye arranges. A global permit is already in place for exports to Australia, Canada, Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland and the USA.

Delivery time depends on order volume and stock availability. Smaller quantities can typically be delivered within 8 to 12 weeks, subject to export license timelines. Larger orders are delivered in batches over several months.