Demonstrating the capabilities of unmanned aircraft vehicles to the US Air Force

TB2 is proud to announce that it has demonstrated to the U.S. Air Force 820 th Base Defense Group the capabilities of unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs) equipped with the company’s Drone Recharging Operational Payload System (DROPS®) and cargo Pods® to support the rapid deployment, sustainment and defense of airfield perimeter operations. DROPS-enabled UAVs demonstrated the efficiency, security, cost-effectiveness, and safety of autonomous delivery of critical payloads for airmen securing airfields in contested environments. 

The successful flight tests took place at Colorado State University Christman Airfield, where DROPS-equipped Draganfly™ Commander 3XL Group 2 UAVs delivered 22 lb. payloads stored in TB2 Aerospace Pods to secure capture points around the airfield. The demonstration is a key deliverable in TB2 Aerospace’s AFWERX Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II contract with research institution partner Research and Engineering Center for Unmanned Vehicles (RECUV) at the University of Colorado, Boulder, to autonomously establish and replenish an austere airfield. 

“The ability to quickly and efficiently deliver tactical supplies and equipment like ISR ground sensors, ammunition, batteries, radios, water, MREs, and other supplies to servicemen securing an airfield in contested environments is a foundational part of the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) doctrine,” said TB2 Aerospace Founder and CEO Hank Scott. “Automation via DROPS-enabled autonomous vehicles is a big step forward for ACE. DROPS offers the DoW a standardized modular cargo solution for a variety of payloads, making autonomous delivery and resupply in contested environments easier, more cost-effective, more secure, and safer for servicemen.” 

Key takeaways:

• Next-gen support for U.S. Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) doctrine 

• Modular cargo solution for a variety of payloads makes any UAV multi-mission capable 

• Automated delivery in contested environments of tactical supplies like ISR, ground sensors, ammunition, MREs, water, batteries, and radios to servicemen

• Safer, more cost-effective, and more secure for warfighters