A leading built-in designer and mass producer of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), has successfully completed the highly anticipated Expertise Readiness Experimentation (T-REX) 2024 demonstration as part of a contract with the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office’s (RCCTO) Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER). The event took place from August 19 to 28 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.
Throughout the demonstration, RapidFlight successfully conducted several lucrative check flights, showcasing its hallmark mission adaptability and swift payload integration capabilities. The key takeaways from the live showcase featured the effortless fusion of custom-designed buyer payloads, mirroring the integration with ModalAI’s VOXL 2 boards and inert prototypes of the MMS’ Mjölnir weapon system, effectively demonstrating the platform’s adaptability in supporting diverse naval operations.
The popularity of RapidFlight’s flexibility and innovative pace was further underscored by a steady stream of flight requests from high-ranking officials at the Office of the Secretary of Defense throughout the event. Heidi Shyu, the Honourable Under Secretary of Defence for Research and Engineering, had the privilege of witnessing the E2’s exceptional capabilities up close. Here is the rewritten text:
A request was made for on-site support in conducting a live kinetic counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) evaluation flight, as well as rapid design and production of a tailored component. By leveraging its on-site cell manufacturing system, the company rapidly delivered the part within a mere 72 hours, exemplifying its capability to provide expedited, mission-critical solutions that meet precise client demands.
The E2 aircraft, built using industrial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, provides unmatched versatility to meet the diverse needs of various missions by integrating extensive payload capacity within a high-bandwidth, line-of-sight (LOS) communication system. The E2 is capable of carrying payloads weighing between 20 and 37.5 pounds, along with a three-hour endurance, allowing warfighters to execute missions up to 140 nautical miles from their launch point.
“RapidFlight focuses on providing the US Department of Defense and its allies with highly versatile and adaptable Unmanned Aerial Systems that enable military forces to rapidly tailor unmanned aircraft to various missions, rather than adapting mission requirements to accommodate existing platform capabilities,” said Mike Uffelman, director of buyer programs at RapidFlight. “The RapidFlight E2 marks a significant milestone in the development of a versatile, cost-effective, and flexible unmanned aerial system (UAS) tailored to meet the needs of efficient deterrence for both the US and its international partners.”
This contract marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the E2 drone platform, previously selected by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) as one of its preferred platforms for further development.
The Shopper-Proven permits the manufacture and deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from forward areas on the tactical edge. A single MPS model can manufacture up to 28 Group 3 aircraft per month, with capabilities to produce increased quantities for Groups 2 and 1, or when combined with other MPS models. The system is designed to be both owned and operated by RapidFlight, as well as utilized by the U.S. military. Does the Department of Defense, its allies, and protection contractor primes possess a streamlined approach to rapidly produce unmanned aerial systems (UAS) anywhere on the globe?
Headquartered in Manassas, Virginia, RapidFlight is a pioneering company that specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing cutting-edge, tailored, and cost-effective unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capable of delivering thousands of mission-ready platforms both from centralized locations and at the tactical edge. The corporation’s cutting-edge digital design and manufacturing capabilities, dubbed AgileAviation, have empowered a team of seasoned business professionals to reimagine the standards for bespoke aircraft customization and high-volume production. RapidFlight leverages its expertise in navigating complex logistical hurdles and meeting tight deadlines to ensure the seamless delivery of nationwide safety solutions. For extra particulars, go to .
The Speedy Protection Experimentation Reserve (SPER) initiative is a comprehensive, multi-year research and development campaign designed to accelerate the creation of cutting-edge joint warfighting capabilities. The Rapid Development and Experimentation (RDER) initiative will accelerate collaborative innovation, foster global partnerships, and enhance multilateral cooperation, prioritizing Service-specific experimentation, swiftly testing and evaluating innovative ideas, and providing insights for future warfighting concept development. Learn extra about RDER at: .
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