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 as we speak that its Wildcat uncrewed plane system (UAS) has achieved a collection of improvement milestones in help of the Protection Superior Analysis Tasks Company’s (DARPA) Early VTOL Plane Demonstration (EVADE). Wildcat has efficiently accomplished VTOL-to-forward-flight transitions, validated its core flight and propulsion techniques, and begun integrating important mission payloads—demonstrating speedy 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 considering, accelerated timelines, and deep mission alignment,” mentioned Chris Fisher, AV’s vice chairman of MacCready Works Novel Methods. “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 to be like 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 take a look at platform. Key techniques—comparable to a heavy gas propulsion system, gas, and flight management—have been validated in each hover and degree 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 section of flight checks Wildcat will carry out simulated maritime missions—transitioning between hover and ahead flight whereas executing payload-driven tasking in consultant operational eventualities.
Designed and developed by MacCready Works, AV’s superior improvement crew, 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 know-how chief delivering built-in capabilities throughout air, land, sea, area, and cyber. The corporate develops and deploys autonomous techniques, precision strike techniques, counter-UAS applied sciences, space-based platforms, directed vitality techniques, and cyber and digital warfare capabilities—constructed to satisfy the mission wants of as we speak’s warfighter and tomorrow’s conflicts. With a nationwide manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers confirmed techniques and future-defining capabilities with velocity, scale, and operational relevance.
For extra data, go to www.avinc.com
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