Employment of an unmanned aerial system often referred to as a reconnaissance drone by forward combat units can offer major tactical advantages on the battlefield.
At the same time the extreme conditions that such a drone must successfully address to be effective at the small unit level are both demanding and present unique challenges.
The US Army recently announced its selection of two Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (SUAS) to fill its Company-Level SUAS requirements. Andril Industries Ghost X and Performance Drone Works (PDW) C-100 were chosen to meet this requirement.
The companies each received a ten-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) award which will allow the Army to place orders over the period to meet its needs. An initial US$14.4 million order was provided to each.
The Company Level SUAS is a Directed Requirement approved in June 2023 for a drone that can be used by manoeuvre companies of Brigade Combat Teams.
Col. Danielle Medaglia, the project manager for uncrewed aircraft systems, shared that the first order of forty-eight systems is anticipated for an Autumn delivery. These, she stated, will be used “to develop those tactics, techniques and procedures, and then form programs of instruction.”
She added that this learning period could drive design changes, drive down the per unit price tag, or lead to the selection of other drones for company formations.
Ghost X
The Ghost X from Anduril is an electric battery powered vertical take-off/landing system with a single main rotor. It fits a soft-case and can be carried by one soldier. It has a flight weight of 25 kg (55 lbs) and can carry a reconnaissance/surveillance payload of up to 9 kg (20 lbs). Its range is 25 km (15.5 miles) for up to 75 minutes and reportedly can operate in adverse weather.
The drone’s onboard computing and computer vision algorithms allow it to autonomously detect, classify, and track potential targets while also assisting in navigation and terrain avoidance.
PDW’s C-100
PDW’s C-100 is a quad-copter configuration that folds up for transport. It weighs 9.7 kg (21.4 lb) and can carry a payload of 4.5 kg (10 lbs) which can include reconnaissance optronics, a resupply or a munition. The latter employs a special drop plate that allows precise delivery.
C-100 has a 74-minute maximum flight time and datalink range of over 10 km (6.2 miles). Electric motor propulsion allows quiet operation with the drone being inaudible at 600 meters. Its autonomous flight capability can avoid obstacles, fly at low level, and track and follow targets.
The Ghost X and C-100 are commercially available systems included on the DoD Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS List.
This list is intended to identify systems free of Chinese content that can be purchased and used by the services.
As commercial drones they are considered “attributable” meaning they can be used with less concern that they may be lost.
by Stephen W. Miller
