Full-scale platform transitions to ahead flight, accelerates mission system integration, and pushes the boundaries of maritime VTOL autonomy
AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) introduced right this moment that its Wildcat uncrewed plane system (UAS) has achieved a sequence of growth milestones in help of the Protection Superior Analysis Initiatives Company’s (DARPA) Early VTOL Plane Demonstration (EVADE). Wildcat has efficiently accomplished VTOL-to-forward-flight transitions, validated its core flight and propulsion programs, and begun integrating vital mission payloads—demonstrating fast progress towards an operationally related functionality.
Wildcat is a Group 3, tail-sitting vertical take-off and touchdown (VTOL) plane designed for launch and restoration from ship decks in denied and distributed maritime environments. Its compact footprint, autonomous launch and restoration, and strong flight efficiency throughout excessive sea states make it a versatile and scalable resolution for contested littoral operations.
“Wildcat displays the spirit of MacCready Works – breakthrough pondering, accelerated timelines, and deep mission alignment,” mentioned Chris Fisher, AV’s vp of MacCready Works Novel Techniques. “In a matter of weeks, we’ve gone from system integration to full ahead flight transitions, all whereas validating key subsystems. That is what innovation at operational velocity appears like.”
Inside this fast-paced program, improvements embody a brand new Visible Precision Touchdown System (VPLS), an AVACORE™-enabled integration of Authorities Furnished Software program and testing of a brand new modular autopilot and AI compute module all of which feed again into AV’s current product strains together with the JUMP® 20-X, P550™, and others.
Latest flight testing included the growth of Wildcat’s hover envelope and the primary profitable transitions to ahead flight utilizing the full-scale check platform. Key programs—comparable to a heavy gasoline propulsion system, gasoline, and flight management—have been validated in each hover and stage flight, with aerodynamic efficiency confirmed throughout a spread of airspeeds and flight profiles. These outcomes replicate the maturity of the design and the tempo of development throughout the EVADE framework.
The EVADE initiative accelerates DARPA’s AdvaNced airCraft Infrastructure-Much less Launch And RecoverY (ANCILLARY) program Part 2 plan, which the company initially projected to conduct flight testing in late 2026.
AV is now integrating mission-critical payloads that may allow Wildcat to help ISR, communications, and different tactical results from a single, modular platform. Within the subsequent part of flight checks Wildcat will carry out simulated maritime missions—transitioning between hover and ahead flight whereas executing payload-driven tasking in consultant operational situations.
Designed and developed by MacCready Works, AV’s superior growth workforce, Wildcat embodies the corporate’s dedication to fixing the toughest challenges in autonomy, edge operations, and next-generation air dominance.
About AEROVIRONMENT, INC.
AeroVironment (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a protection expertise chief delivering built-in capabilities throughout air, land, sea, area, and cyber. The corporate develops and deploys autonomous programs, precision strike programs, counter-UAS applied sciences, space-based platforms, directed power programs, and cyber and digital warfare capabilities—constructed to fulfill the mission wants of right this moment’s warfighter and tomorrow’s conflicts. With a nationwide manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers confirmed programs and future-defining capabilities with velocity, scale, and operational relevance.
For extra data, go to www.avinc.com
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