FlightWave Edge-130 VTOL UAS TACFI
AFWERX · AFWERX TACFI · AFWERX
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Description
The Edge-130 is DIU Blue UAS certified and is designed to excel in challenging environments, capable of withstanding 40+ knot winds and protected with 256-bit encryption for secure communications. The upcoming enhancements to Edge-130 will focus on four strategic development areas to significantly bolster its utility in operational scenarios, particularly for Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) JTAC operators. These improvements are designed to extend the operational capabilities of the Edge-130, enhance its stealth, and increase the safety of operators. These improvements include:1) Meshed Network Communications Relay: A key innovation is a "daisy-chain" communications relay, expected to extend the Edge-130's ISR range by a factor of five. This capability will dramatically enhance the coverage area, allowing operators to collect critical information from greater distances. The use of small fleets leveraging both range-extending UAS and targeting / scanning UAS create a flexible footprint of coverage. The demonstrated video broadcast range for the Edge-130 with its standard 2.4 GHz radio is 5 km. With a fleet of five vehicles, a full-bandwidth video range of 25 km is achievable. This mesh network communications relay will be a new capability added to the Edge-130 for 5th ASOS. There are two data channels affected by this flight configuration: video and telemetry. The demonstrated video range for Edge-130 is 5 km with its standard 2.4 GHz (Microhard) radio while the demonstrated telemetry range is 20 km with its standard 900 MHz radio. Hence, with four or five Edge systems, targeting data using the 900 MHz channel would achieve a 80-100 km of data transmission range.2) Programmable Data Transmission Relay: This feature ensures the security of ISR data by enabling it to remain at rest and encrypted until the drone reaches a predetermined safe zone for transmission. This advancement not only secures sensitive data but also enhancesthe operational stealth of the Edge-130. 3) Remote Launch & Flight Control System: Another significant development is the ability to arm, launch, and fly the Edge-130 remotely from a distance of at least five miles. This provides a key strategic advantage by enabling the deployment of drones from safe locations, reducing the risk to personnel. 4) Laser-Targeting Capability: The introduction of an onboard laser sensor will allow for precise tracking and fixation of assets of interest. This feature is pivotal for providing accurate latitude-longitude coordinates to command centers, enhancing real-time decision- making and target acquisition. The culmination of these developments will be showcased in a final demonstration, where the Edge-130 will exhibit all four capabilities in a single mission. These enhancements will not only provide AFSOC operators with a tactical advantage by enabling them to operate further from harm's way but also enhance stealth capabilities significantly.