Aerospace and robotics firm Pyka has is to partner with ADS to equip the US Department of Defense, Federal Agencies, and First Responders with its large-scale autonomous cargo aircraft, DropShip.
DropShip is a long-range, heavy-lift UAS platform designed for multi-mission operations in demanding environments. With hybrid propulsion, the aircraft can fly over 3,500 miles, remain airborne for over 40 hours, and carry payloads of up to 550 lbs.
In a typical mission profile, it can carry 400 lbs over 1,000 miles, fully autonomously. Its modular payload bay and auxiliary open architecture flight computer support various mission configurations, including ISR sensors, communications relays, and precision airdrop systems.
“We’re proud to work with ADS to bring DropShip’s capabilities to the US government,” said Jake Hart, government business development director at Pyka and former Navy F/A-18 pilot. “DoD missions increasingly require flexible UAS platforms that can operate without established infrastructure. DropShip is a dual-use autonomous aircraft that delivers operational versatility in a rapidly deployable package, at a fraction of the cost of legacy UAS systems.”
Michael Paulk, director of aerospace market sales for ADS, which supplies operational equipment to the US Department of Defense said, “With the ever-changing and rapidly-evolving UAS requirements within our customer base, ADS is honored to work with Pyka introducing their long-range, heavy-lift, short takeoff and landing UAS platform to our shared U.S. Government portfolios,”
The partnership aims to accelerate delivery of DropShip’s capabilities to end users. ADS brings expertise in equipping government agencies, while Pyka offers a vertically integrated aircraft-first robotics stack including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high-power density electric motors, motor controllers, batteries, and carbon fiber composite airframes, all developed in-house and manufactured in the United States.
Operating worldwide for over 28 years, ADS provides operational equipment to the US Department of Defense, Federal Agencies, and First Responders. Pyka develops autonomous aircraft for agriculture, logistics, defence, and humanitarian operations.
