EMT Luna X-2000

Luna X 2000 UAV for reconnaissance and ESM missions of the German Army

The camera of Luna

The control unit

Luna X 2000 is a German unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in service with the Bundeswehr (German Army) and produced by EMT Penzberg of Germany.

Luna recovered by soldiers of the German Army

It is intended for close reconnaissance (over the hill, up to 65 km away), transmitting live video data (visual or infrared) or taking higher resolution still images, but it can also perform other tasks such as particle sampling, ESM/Electronic countermeasures (radio/radar jamming), depending on its payload.

The UAV is launched with a simple bungee catapult and then follows a preprogrammed course, that can be altered in flight if necessary. After its mission it automatically lands with the help of a parachute and impact dampers.

Luna X UAVs are in use by German KFOR forces since 2000 and are also used by German troops in Afghanistan.

In mid-2009 the German Army ordered another 4 systems with a total of 40 UAVs.

Specifications

• Propulsion: two cylinder two stroke engine, driving pusher propeller
• Typical speed: 70  km/h
• Service ceiling: 3500m AMSL
• Endurance: 6 hours (8 optional)
• Length: 2.36m
• Wingspan: 4.17m
• Take-off weight: < 40 kg

References

• Luna UAV System @ EMT (manufacturer)
• Nahaufklärungs-Austattung LUNA X (in German) @ deutschesheer.de (Official homepage of the German Army)
• LUNA X-2000 @ defense update
• LUNA Aerial Reconnaissance and Surveillance UAV