US Air Force Selects Four Firms to Develop Modular Drone Prototypes for Testing

The US Air Force has chosen Anduril, Leidos Dynetics, Zone 5 Technologies, and Integrated Solutions for Systems to develop modular drone prototypes for testing various payloads, with flight demonstrations expected later this year.

The US Air Force has selected four defense companies—Anduril, Leidos Dynetics, Zone 5 Technologies, and Integrated Solutions for Systems—to develop prototypes for a modular drone under the Enterprise Test Vehicle (ETV) project. These firms were chosen from over 100 vendors who submitted proposals, reflecting their innovative approaches and technological capabilities.

The goal of the ETV project is to create an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can be rapidly produced at a low cost while supporting the testing of various payloads, including sensors and other military technologies. The modular drone must meet specific performance criteria, such as a minimum range of 500 nautical miles (926 kilometers) and a speed of 100 knots (185 kilometers/115 miles per hour). Additionally, it should be capable of delivering kinetic payloads, according to the project's requirements.

Andrew Hunter, the US Air Force's assistant secretary for acquisition, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, "The ETV presents an opportunity to leverage promising ideas from industry to create and refine affordable designs for test capabilities that can be produced on a relevant timeline."

The selected companies will use commercial and dual-use technologies to develop their prototypes. The UAVs should be able to support future testing needs, accommodate new capabilities through an open systems architecture, and be launched in various ways, including from the back of a cargo aircraft.

The timeline for this project is ambitious, with the prototypes expected to be ready for flight demonstrations later this year. At least one promising prototype will be selected for further development, marking a significant step in advancing UAV technology for military applications.

In addition to the core requirements, the Air Force emphasizes the importance of flexibility and future-proofing in the drone's design. The ability to integrate new technologies as they emerge ensures that the UAVs remain relevant and capable in dynamic operational environments.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the US Air Force to enhance its capabilities through innovation and collaboration with industry leaders. By focusing on modularity and affordability, the ETV project aims to deliver cutting-edge UAV technology that meets current and future defense needs.

The selected companies bring a range of expertise to the project. For example, Anduril is known for its advanced AI and autonomous systems, Leidos Dynetics for its defense and aerospace engineering, Zone 5 Technologies for innovative UAV solutions, and Integrated Solutions for Systems for its systems integration capabilities. Their combined strengths will contribute to the development of a versatile and effective modular drone system.

As the prototypes move toward flight demonstrations, the Air Force will evaluate their performance, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness to determine the best path forward for this critical technology. The successful deployment of these drones could significantly enhance the Air Force's operational capabilities and provide a robust platform for testing future technologies.