US Navy expands contract with PteroDynamics
The US Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) has deepened its relationship with PteroDynamics through a fresh contract expansion worth $4.65m.
PteroDynamics, a developer of autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft systems, has been tasked with designing a larger aircraft with more capabilities than it’s P4 Transwing VTOL uncrewed aerial system (UAS) (pictured above) that demonstrated sea trials during last naval exercises last summer. This means building, testing and demonstrating two P5 Transwing prototypes in a maritime environment.
It is the sixth award in the contract’s duration and brings the total funding to over $7m. Upon completion of this phase of the contract, PteroDynamics will qualify for $5m in supplemental programme funding, bringing the total future contract value to $12m.
“Working with NAWCAD since 2019 has enabled PteroDynamics to identify and achieve key performance parameters that make the Transwing a uniquely capable VTOL UAS,” said CEO Matthew Graczyk. “This sixth contract expansion is so significant because it calls for the clean-sheet design, build, and demonstration of the next-generation P5 Transwing aircraft that will give the US Navy an effective solution for automated just-in-time delivery of critical repair parts and supplies at sea.”
The new P5 Transwing aircraft will have a maximum takeoff weight of 330lbs and a minimum range of 400nm carrying a 50lbs payload. It is being designed to execute long-range tactical ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore and shore-to-ship deliveries of critical repair cargo in contested maritime environments.
“The size and capabilities of the P5 also hit a sweet spot in what we see in broader market demand, not only for other military branches like the Air Force, but also for commercial, governmental, and public safety operators around the world eager to leverage the key advantages of the Transwing platform,” added Graczyk.
PteroDynamics’ Transwing folds its wings to transition between vertical and winged horizontal flight configurations. It requires no launch and recovery infrastructure and occupies one-third or less ground footprint than other VTOL aircraft with a comparable wingspan, the company claims.
The new P5 Transwing UAS prototypes will meet the following specifications:
● 330lbs maximum gross takeoff weight
● Ability to carry a 50lbs payload at least 400nm
● Hybrid electric/internal combustion engine powertrain that can burn JP-5 fuel
● Autonomous multi-aircraft operations
● Satellite communications for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operation
● Detect and avoid (DAA) capability
● Operations in a broader range of environmental conditions
● Transportable via C-130 and C-17 fixed-wing and CH-53 and CH-47 rotor aircraft
