Michigan-based drone developer Darkflite not too long ago introduced that that they had obtained a Division of the Air Power Direct-to-Part II contract within the quantity of $1,249,911 centered on its tilt-rotor logistics drone platform. The Air Power Analysis Laboratory and AFWERX have streamlined the Small Enterprise Innovation Analysis (SBIR) and Small Enterprise Expertise Switch (STTR) course of by accelerating award timelines, increasing alternatives to small enterprise and eliminating bureaucratic overhead, permitting Darkflite to entry this system.
A quote included within the press launch mentioned, “We’re honored to companion with AFWERX and the Division of the Air Power on this Part II contract award. Our superior logistics drone expertise will convey a brand new stage of autonomy, resilience, and mission flexibility to the DAF’s medical logistics and emergency response operations. Being based mostly in Michigan, we’re proud to contribute to the nation’s management in superior aerial mobility and stay up for demonstrating how this expertise can improve readiness and effectivity for the Air Power.”
The Darkflite logistics drone platform is a carbon composite logistics UAV with independently actuated tilt rotors, giving the fairly gangly silhouette outstanding agility. In 2024, the corporate obtained an SBIR for a blood supply system, saying, “We’re proud to announce that we now have been awarded a U.S. Division of Transportation (USDOT) Part 1 Small Enterprise Innovation Analysis (SBIR) contract for the groundbreaking venture “Prehospital Blood Transfusion Programs Enchancment: Increasing Entry via Modern Applied sciences and Instruments.”
Darkflite is the dual-use sibling of blueflite, who make business drones centered on logistics. Extra details about Darkflite is accessible right here.
About Darkflite
Darkflite Inc. is a U.S.-based aerospace firm growing next-generation uncrewed aerial methods for protection and nationwide safety purposes. Headquartered in Michigan, Darkflite serves federal businesses, authorities prospects, and allied companions looking for superior aerial capabilities. The corporate builds on the confirmed business basis of its affiliate firm, blueflite, leveraging patented tilt-rotor drone expertise to speed up innovation and transition essential capabilities to the Division of Protection and public businesses.
About AFRL
The Air Power Analysis Laboratory, or AFRL, is the first scientific analysis and growth heart for the Division of the Air Power. AFRL performs an integral function in main the invention, growth and integration of inexpensive warfighting applied sciences for our air, area and our on-line world forces. With a workforce spanning throughout 9 expertise areas and 40 different operations across the globe, AFRL offers a various portfolio of science and expertise starting from elementary to superior analysis and expertise growth.
About AFWERX
Because the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate inside the Air Power Analysis Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small companies and start-ups to deal with essentially the most urgent challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs roughly 370 army, civilian and contractor personnel at 4 hubs and websites executing an annual $1.4 billion finances. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts value greater than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. protection industrial base and drive quicker expertise transition to operational functionality.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist specializing in drone expertise and life-style content material at Dronelife. He’s based mostly between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys mountaineering and Boston space sports activities.
