RapidFlight releases mobile production system

Manassas, Virginia-based uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) manufacturer RapidFlight released its Mobile Production System (MPS) enabling UAS manufacturing and deployment from forward locations.

A single MPS can produce 28 Group 3 UAS per month (or higher quantities of Group 2 or 1). Each MPS unit can be operated independently or in coordination with other MPS units by two trained technicians. The production footprint would be half the size of a standard basketball court with less than one week for setup.

MPS uses commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components for ease of deployment and is powered by 110VAC to 240VAC. MPS can handle wet, dry, hot, cold, humid, and dirty environments with operational limits from -20˚F to 130˚F.

MPS can be owned and operated by RapidFlight, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), its allies, and defense prime contractors to mass manufacture UAS.

RapidFlight engineers have optimized the hardware and software technology specifically for MPS capabilities, designing more than 20 different types of air vehicles customized for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, communications, and strike.

Rep. Rob Wittman, vice chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Armed Forces, recently toured the company’s mass manufacturing facility. Wittman helped incorporate the American Security Drone Act within the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which promotes American superiority and competitiveness within the drone market while protecting against intellectual property (IP) theft and data security violations by adversaries. www.rapidflight.aero

Elsight provides BVLOS communications for Indago 4 UAS

During a strategic collaboration exercise, Elsight’s Halo connectivity platform was rapidly integrated with the Lockheed Martin Indago 4 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) to complete beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) flights with enhanced capabilities and expanded operational reach.

Halo, a reliable communication system, aggregates public cellular, private cellular, satellite, and software-defined radio connectivity in challenging environments.

Incorporating Halo enhances Indago 4’s capabilities for maintaining robust communication links across varying terrains, obstacles, and distances with uninterrupted data flow such as real-time video feeds for disaster response, surveillance, or remote inspections.

“We designed the Halo to provide real-time situational awareness in difficult defense and public safety scenarios,” says Roee Kashi, Elsight co-founder and CTO. www.elsight.com

SWARM drone technology for special operations forces

Tesseract Ventures of Overland Park, Kansas and Tampa, Florida, has been awarded an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) from the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to fund development of the company’s next-generation drone, the Special Warfighter Assistive Robotic Machine (SWARM).

The SWARM system includes a nano First Person View (FPV) drone and smart payload system. Equipped with a multi-function camera system with high-resolution, night, and thermal capabilities, SWARM’s compact drone is designed for rapid deployment. Working solo or in groups, it can perform tasks including surveillance and tactical response operations. https://tesseractventures.io