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The U.S. Army has awarded a $15.3 million contract to Performance Drone Works (PDW) for the delivery of its C100 small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), marking an enhancement in battlefield reconnaissance and tactical support. This contract will see the C100 drones deployed across multiple global theaters, including the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and Central Command regions.
The C100 is designed to be a compact, versatile solution for company-level intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition missions. Weighing just 10 kilograms, the C100 can carry up to 4.5 kilograms of payload, such as surveillance equipment, resupply items, or even medical kits for soldiers. Despite its small size, the drone is a powerful tool, providing advanced capabilities like night vision, collision avoidance, and a high degree of autonomous operation, with optional AI integration.
Ryan Gury, PDW’s Co-Founder and CEO, described the C100 as a game-changer that offers unparalleled agility and operational impact. He emphasized that the drone’s autonomous nature allows soldiers to execute missions independently, reducing the need for external fire support. This aligns with the Army’s goal of providing soldiers with decentralized and dispersed operational capabilities.
The C100 can be operated in a variety of conditions, capable of functioning in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 57°C and withstanding dust and water. The drone has a range of up to 10 kilometers, a top speed of 65 kph, and can reach altitudes of up to 3,658 meters. It offers an impressive 74-minute flight endurance, making it well-suited for extended reconnaissance missions.
Equipped with AI-assisted autonomy, the C100 is designed to perform tasks such as navigation, mission execution, and target identification autonomously, thereby reducing the workload for operators. While specifics about the total number of units and the timeline for delivery are yet to be disclosed, PDW’s technology is poised to provide critical support in modern military operations, offering flexibility and resilience in contested environments.
