Xwing has won a small business innovation research (SBIR) contract from the US Army xTech SBIR Autonomy programme.
The contract will see Xwing conduct autonomous airlift and logistics missions during live military operational demonstrations. Other SBIR contract awardees include: Elroy Air, Censys Technologies and Steer Tech.
Nicole Fox, SBIR Program’s portfolio manager for autonomy and contested logistics, sustainment, science and technology said: “To support mobility and navigation across multiple terrains, it’s important we develop and employ ground and aerial robotic autonomous systems throughout the Army. Solutions developed via the competition – and through follow-on SBIR contracts – will support Soldier safety and efficiency in contested environments.”
Last month, Xwing was awarded a Military Approval to fly autonomous cargo missions during the Air Force’s AGILE FLAG 24-1. As part of this Agile Combat Employment (ACE) exercise, Xwing flew over 2,800 autonomous flight miles through public and military airspace, delivering cargo to eight different military and civilian airports across California.
Kevin Antcliff, Xwing’s head of Product said: “Xwing is at the forefront of uncrewed aviation, focusing near-term on transforming operations in scenarios typically described by the three Ds of robotics: dull, dirty, and dangerous. This innovation is crucial for reducing dependency on manned aircraft confronted with these threats. By shifting to uncrewed aircraft, we aim to enhance safety, efficiency, and operational flexibility across various mission types.”
