DroneShow 2026: XMobots showcases the Nauru RPAS family in São Paulo

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During DroneShow 2026 in São Paulo, Zona Militar’s Brazil correspondent, Angelo Nicolaci, visited the XMobots stand, where the company introduced its Nauru family of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). Designed to meet requirements across defence, public security and strategic monitoring, the aircraft line-up highlights how far Brazil’s industry has progressed in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition (ISTAR) segment-bringing together options that range from short-range tactical missions through to long-endurance operations with a high level of complexity.

XMobots’ team used the event to explain the thinking behind the Nauru family: a set of scalable, interoperable platforms built around a shared operating, logistics, and command-and-control architecture. The aim is to make operator training simpler, cut support costs, and widen operational flexibility across different scenarios-so that distinct users can choose solutions that match their needs without sacrificing standardisation.

XMobots Nauru RPAS family: a common concept across roles

A key point of the presentation was that the Nauru concept is intended to be modular and standardised at the same time, supporting different mission profiles while keeping a consistent approach to operation and support. In practice, XMobots positions this as a way to reduce the burden on units that may need to field multiple systems without multiplying training and maintenance complexity.

Nauru 100D eVTOL: tactical surveillance, reconnaissance and monitoring

The smallest system on display was the “Nauru 100D”, an eVTOL platform intended for tactical surveillance, reconnaissance and monitoring of areas of interest. The company said it can be carried by just two operators, assembled quickly in the field, and delivers up to two hours of endurance, with an operational range between 20 and 30 kilometres.

Vertical take-off and landing removes the requirement for runways or prepared sites, which materially increases its utility in built-up areas, remote locations, and hard-to-reach terrain. XMobots also pointed to practical advantages: straightforward field assembly, high aircraft modularity enabling rapid component swaps and simplified repairs even under operational conditions, and battery replacement in under one minute-reducing downtime before returning to tasking.

The company also noted that the Nauru 100D has recently completed its development and test cycle, confirming its operational capabilities and indicating that the platform has reached a mature stage. According to XMobots, the system is already attracting interest from public security organisations and armed forces evaluating it for applications ranging from surveillance and monitoring to tactical reconnaissance.

Nauru 500C ISR: hybrid propulsion for persistent ISTAR

In the intermediate category, XMobots presented the Nauru 500C ISR, a hybrid platform that uses electric motors for vertical take-off and landing phases, while cruise flight is handled by an internal combustion engine running on standard petrol. Using this fuel, the company argued, lowers operating costs and eases refuelling logistics-an important consideration for deployments far from major population centres.

Based on information provided by XMobots, the system offers around four hours of endurance and an operational range of up to 60 kilometres. This supports persistent surveillance missions, border monitoring, protection of critical infrastructure, and assistance to public security operations. Beyond its ISTAR role, the platform can also be fitted with systems for releasing explosive devices, adding an offensive capability and substantially broadening how it could be used in contemporary military contexts. In XMobots’ framing, the mix of endurance, logistical flexibility and engagement potential makes the Nauru 500C ISR suitable for missions that require not only identifying and tracking targets, but also providing an immediate response when needed.

Nauru 1000: long-endurance strategic operations and payload flexibility

The centrepiece of the showcase was the Nauru 1000, developed for higher-complexity, long-duration strategic missions. The aircraft pairs electric motors for vertical take-off and landing with a combustion engine for cruise, fuelled by aviation gasoline (AvGas).

As presented during DroneShow 2026, the Nauru 1000 can remain on station for about 12 hours and operate at distances beyond 100 kilometres. These characteristics place it as a solution aimed at wide-area surveillance, strategic reconnaissance, border monitoring, and long-term tracking of targets of interest.

In addition to long-range ISTAR capability, the platform is intended to accommodate different payloads, including systems for releasing explosive devices. XMobots also stated that tests have already been conducted involving the integration of anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), indicating the aircraft’s potential for precision strike missions and support to more complex military operations.

Command and control, mobile stations and electronic protection

XMobots highlighted what it described as a strong command-and-control infrastructure across the Nauru family. The aircraft can be operated from mobile stations made up of dedicated consoles, computers and communications links, enabling real-time monitoring of both flight parameters and the imagery generated by onboard sensors.

Depending on the mission profile, responsibilities can be split between operators-one focused on flying the aircraft and another dedicated to sensor operation and exploitation of collected information. The company said these stations can be installed in vehicles, vans, containers, or specially configured mobile structures intended for extended operations.

On electronic protection, XMobots described multiple features integrated into the Nauru platforms. The systems continuously track navigation parameters, terrain profile and flight conditions, and can automatically carry out safety procedures when required.

Among the features presented was an anti-jamming system intended to detect electronic interference attempts, warn operators, and automatically switch frequencies to maintain the command-and-control link. In critical situations, the systems can also trigger automatic return-to-base modes and emergency recovery procedures designed to preserve the aircraft.

Another point raised at DroneShow was the modularity of the Nauru family’s operational concept. In addition to portable stations, XMobots offers vehicle-, van- and container-based solutions that effectively turn them into mobile command-and-control centres. This approach significantly improves operator mobility and supports deployment for longer-duration missions and in remote environments.

Growing interest from military forces, public security agencies and government institutions in the Nauru family reflects the maturity reached by Brazil’s unmanned systems sector. In a context where real-time information has become decisive to operational success, XMobots is seeking to establish its solutions as national alternatives capable of meeting the highest requirements across defence and security.

The completion of the Nauru 100D’s development, alongside progress on the Nauru 500C ISR and Nauru 1000 programmes, is presented by the company as evidence of its commitment to building domestic solutions that reduce external dependence and strengthen Brazil’s technological autonomy in a segment that is increasingly strategic for defence and security.

Zona Militar will soon visit XMobots’ facilities to see the development and manufacturing process of its remotely piloted aircraft at close quarters, and to observe operational demonstrations of its solutions-enabling a more in-depth appraisal of the capabilities being developed by Brazil’s defence and technology industry.

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