Red Cat to Deliver 12 Additional Edge 130 Blue VTOL Drones to US Agencies

World Defense

Red Cat to Deliver 12 Additional Edge 130 Blue VTOL Drones to US Agencies

Red Cat Holdings, a leader in advanced unmanned aerial systems, has secured a contract to supply 12 more Edge 130 Blue vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones to the Army National Guard and an undisclosed US government agency. The combined deal is valued at $518,000, marking yet another milestone for the Puerto Rico-based company as it continues to support military and governmental operations with cutting-edge drone technology.

Expanding Manufacturing to Meet Demand

In response to growing demand, Red Cat is ramping up its production capacity for the Edge 130 Blue. CEO Jeff Thompson emphasized the company’s commitment to equipping US government agencies with superior technology designed to enhance operational efficiency and mission success. “We are expanding our manufacturing capacity for the Edge 130 to accelerate this momentum,” Thompson stated, underscoring the strategic importance of the drone in military and surveillance applications.

The Advanced Capabilities of the Edge 130 Blue

The Edge 130 Blue stands out as a military-grade tricopter tailored for a wide range of operations, including mapping, reconnaissance, inspection, and surveillance. This advanced drone combines lightweight portability, cutting-edge technology, and robust functionality:

  • Lightweight Design: Weighing just 1.2 kilograms (2.65 pounds), the Edge 130 is compact yet powerful, enabling rapid deployment and assembly by a single operator in under a minute.
  • Extended Flight Performance: It boasts a flight time of up to one hour in forward mode, reaching altitudes of 3,650 meters (12,000 feet) and achieving cruise speeds of 65 mph (100 km/h).
  • AI-Powered Surveillance: Equipped with AI-driven sensors, the drone delivers high-precision aerial imagery and real-time reconnaissance data, making it invaluable for military and government missions.
  • Hybrid Flight Modes: The system features seamless transition between multi-rotor and fixed-wing flight modes, utilizing exclusive thrust-vector control without requiring manual input.
  • Mission-Centric Features: With pre-programmed mapping and mission options, operators can customize flight plans, share live video feeds, and efficiently execute complex operations.

Growing Adoption of the Edge 130 Blue

The latest contracts reflect Red Cat’s ongoing success in delivering reliable drone technology for high-stakes operations. The Edge 130 Blue is part of the company's newly launched family of drones designed to meet the evolving needs of military forces and government agencies.

Previously, Red Cat secured notable contracts for the Edge 130 Blue, including a $1-million deal in October 2023 to supply the US Army with these drones. The same month, the company also provided 12 units to the Royal Australian Navy, further establishing the platform’s appeal in international markets.

A Look Ahead

The Edge 130 Blue’s lightweight design, ease of deployment, and AI-driven features make it a critical tool for missions requiring precision, efficiency, and real-time decision-making. Red Cat's continued investment in manufacturing and development ensures that its drones remain at the forefront of the industry, enabling government and military operators to tackle increasingly complex challenges.

With its latest contract, Red Cat solidifies its position as a trusted supplier of high-performance unmanned aerial systems for the US government, while laying the groundwork for future innovations in drone technology.

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