The aircraft was designed to be an autonomous UAV that incorporates artificial intelligence and will be able to exercise its own flight judgment. For instance, in the event of an engine failure, the aircraft will be able to examine the terrain below it and pick the best location for an autorotational landing. Diamond Aircraft CEO Christian Dries said of the aircraft on 19 April 2012, "it's a little bit beyond a regular unmanned aircraft."
The aircraft is powered by two Austro Engine AE55 rotary engines and will be able to lift a 2500NaN0 sensor payload for 6.5 hours of flight endurance or four hours of hover endurance. It also has a recovery parachute.