US Army Deploys Lightweight DARPA VTOL Drones for Autonomous Battlefield Support
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According to information published by DARPA on June 17, 2025, five new vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial systems (UAS), each weighing under 150 kilograms, will begin flight testing later this month. This demonstration is part of DARPA’s Early VTOL Aircraft Demonstration (EVADE) initiative, designed to accelerate the delivery of advanced aerial capabilities to the U.S. Armed Forces. The project represents a key phase in the broader ANCILLARY (Advanced airCraft Infrastructure-Less Launch And RecoverY) program, which aims to provide agile air power without relying on fixed infrastructure.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The aircraft under EVADE offer significantly improved endurance, range, and control compared to existing VTOL UAS of similar size (Picture source: DARPA)
The aircraft under EVADE offer significantly improved endurance, range, and control compared to existing VTOL UAS of similar size. The focus is on development speed rather than initial perfection, allowing early identification and resolution of technical issues and enabling quicker field deployment. By advancing tests originally planned for late 2026, DARPA demonstrates a commitment to reducing timelines by relaxing initial requirements such as maximum dimensions and autonomous takeoff and landing in rough sea conditions.
All aircraft use MATRIX flight autonomy algorithms developed under DARPA’s ALIAS program. This software enables full mission management from takeoff to landing while minimizing human input. Additionally, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division’s Battle Management System, integrated via the Tactical Assault Kit, allows direct tactical data transmission to troops, eliminating the need for dedicated ground control stations and reducing operational costs.
The five EVADE demonstrators, developed by AeroVironment, Griffon Aerospace, Karem Aircraft, Method Aeronautics, and Sikorsky, are designed for varied operational roles including logistics, communications relay, weapons delivery, synthetic aperture radar, and ISR/RSTA missions. Each drone is expected to operate for at least 12 hours at a range of 100 nautical miles with a 27-kilogram payload, demonstrating multi-mission versatility.
The ANCILLARY program aims to establish a resilient industrial ecosystem capable of scaling production in a short timeframe. DARPA is concurrently addressing certification, manufacturing, and logistical aspects to speed up military adoption. This category of drones, weighing between 25 and 150 kilograms, may soon be approved for procurement and operation by non-aviation units, representing a potential strategic shift in Department of Defense policy.
DARPA plans to transition these systems to U.S. military services by the end of 2025. This fast-track, iterative development model, which includes continuous improvement cycles, is expected to broaden access to advanced aerial capabilities for small operational units while ensuring interoperability, efficiency, and resilience in austere conditions.
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According to information published by DARPA on June 17, 2025, five new vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial systems (UAS), each weighing under 150 kilograms, will begin flight testing later this month. This demonstration is part of DARPA’s Early VTOL Aircraft Demonstration (EVADE) initiative, designed to accelerate the delivery of advanced aerial capabilities to the U.S. Armed Forces. The project represents a key phase in the broader ANCILLARY (Advanced airCraft Infrastructure-Less Launch And RecoverY) program, which aims to provide agile air power without relying on fixed infrastructure.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The aircraft under EVADE offer significantly improved endurance, range, and control compared to existing VTOL UAS of similar size (Picture source: DARPA)
The aircraft under EVADE offer significantly improved endurance, range, and control compared to existing VTOL UAS of similar size. The focus is on development speed rather than initial perfection, allowing early identification and resolution of technical issues and enabling quicker field deployment. By advancing tests originally planned for late 2026, DARPA demonstrates a commitment to reducing timelines by relaxing initial requirements such as maximum dimensions and autonomous takeoff and landing in rough sea conditions.
All aircraft use MATRIX flight autonomy algorithms developed under DARPA’s ALIAS program. This software enables full mission management from takeoff to landing while minimizing human input. Additionally, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division’s Battle Management System, integrated via the Tactical Assault Kit, allows direct tactical data transmission to troops, eliminating the need for dedicated ground control stations and reducing operational costs.
The five EVADE demonstrators, developed by AeroVironment, Griffon Aerospace, Karem Aircraft, Method Aeronautics, and Sikorsky, are designed for varied operational roles including logistics, communications relay, weapons delivery, synthetic aperture radar, and ISR/RSTA missions. Each drone is expected to operate for at least 12 hours at a range of 100 nautical miles with a 27-kilogram payload, demonstrating multi-mission versatility.
The ANCILLARY program aims to establish a resilient industrial ecosystem capable of scaling production in a short timeframe. DARPA is concurrently addressing certification, manufacturing, and logistical aspects to speed up military adoption. This category of drones, weighing between 25 and 150 kilograms, may soon be approved for procurement and operation by non-aviation units, representing a potential strategic shift in Department of Defense policy.
DARPA plans to transition these systems to U.S. military services by the end of 2025. This fast-track, iterative development model, which includes continuous improvement cycles, is expected to broaden access to advanced aerial capabilities for small operational units while ensuring interoperability, efficiency, and resilience in austere conditions.
