The US Department of the Air Force (DAF) has awarded RapidFlight, an integrated designer and manufacturer of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), a contract for up to $10 million for 3D printed autonomous drones through the AFWERX Autonomy Prime programme. This contract is for the development and construction of the SPX, a 3D printed, autonomous fixed-wing aircraft system.
AFWERX, a DAF initiative, seeks to leverage cutting-edge innovations from small enterprises and start-ups to address essential concerns. The Autonomy Prime branch primarily works with industry to enhance autonomous technologies and speed up their integration into Air Force programmes.
RapidFlight 3D Printed Autonomous Drones
RapidFlight will create SPX UAVs for developmental testing and assessment at the Autonomy Prime Proving Ground during the 36-month contract’s initial phase. This facility is designed for rapid, iterative testing and development of autonomous UAS technologies.
RapidFlight will then execute a contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) demonstration of the SPX for the United States Air Force (USAF) at its flight test site in Manassas, Virginia. Throughout the contract, USAF operators will receive comprehensive SPX operations and maintenance training.
“Our collaboration with the AFWERX Autonomy Prime Program positions RapidFlight as a leading innovator for delivering mission customized, autonomous aircraft with up to 80% reduced design to manufacture time and platform costs as compared to existing solutions.”
– Michael Uffelman, Director of Growth and Customer Programs at RapidFlight
Uffelman added, “This contract will enable the DAF to explore RapidFlight’s digital engineering process, and its modern development approach to produce customizable aircraft with novel technologies critical for national security.”
Lt. Col. Josh Fehd, AFWERX Autonomy Prime Branch Chief, said, “Autonomy Prime is excited about this innovative approach to unmanned autonomous aviation. It represents a promising opportunity to continue our mission of creating a rapid, affordable, and iterative autonomy testing and transition capability for the DAF.”
The RapidFlight SPX Platform
The SPX is a Group 2 UAS with a payload capacity of 12 lbs. and a range of 150 nm. It features a modular payload bay that can hold a variety of payload types, sensors, and autonomy packages. For research and development, the RapidFlight Common Avionics 2.0 modular interface will be used, making real-world flight test data generation more efficient.
RapidFlight’s proprietary AgileAviation process seeks to dramatically shorten the development lifecycle during the first stages of UAV development. The process, which includes aircraft delivery and flight crew training, is expected to be completed within seven months. Each SPX system consists of four airframes, a ground control station, a field kit and a compact launcher.
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