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UAS manufacturer Silent Arrow has been awarded a $1.8 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This funding will support the development and flight testing of the company’s new logistics drone, the Silent Arrow CLS-200, which is designed to enhance logistics operations. The CLS-200, capable of carrying up to 225 kg of cargo, will be able to travel over 370 km, offering improved reach and versatility compared to previous systems.
The CLS-200 is based on the technology of the Silent Arrow GD-2000, a highly successful autonomous cargo delivery aircraft. The GD-2000, which has been deployed across the U.S. and abroad, operates as a glider and has been launched from various platforms, including C-130H and Airbus A400M aircraft. The new CLS-200 builds on the GD-2000’s proven track record, featuring an innovative propulsion system that significantly extends its range. Unlike the unpowered GD-2000, the CLS-200 uses a lightweight and inexpensive propeller system that enables longer flights and makes the aircraft single-use, which is a key advantage for logistical missions in contested environments.
One of the key benefits of the CLS-200 is its ability to take off from unimproved surfaces, including naval vessels, making it versatile enough for a variety of launch points. It also remains air-droppable, adding to its flexibility for rapid deployment in critical operations. Silent Arrow plans to conduct flight testing at their Pendleton, Oregon facility, where they will demonstrate the system’s capabilities by airdropping multiple units by the U.S. Air Force.
This contract is part of Silent Arrow’s broader efforts to expand its capabilities within the Department of the Air Force, following a similar $1.25 million contract for their CLS-300 system, which offers a 555 km range. With these contracts, Silent Arrow is positioning itself as a leader in autonomous logistics solutions for military operations, with a product line capable of delivering essential supplies globally on short notice.
