Aviation startup Xwing has secured a contract to demonstrate autonomous airlift and logistics missions for the US Army.
The agreement is part of a US Department of Defense program seeking small businesses to develop prototypes to support its autonomous requirements.
The initiative focuses on associated innovations including remote command, target localization, sensor functionalities, and 360-degree situational awareness.
Xwing wrote that its autonomous flight solution addresses “critical operational challenges” in contested environments while decreasing risks to warfighters.
It can also be used for force structure, transport, and combat operations alongside tactical applications, the company added.
“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,” Xwing Product Head Kevin Antcliff explained.
“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.”
US Army Autonomy Program
The US Army wrote that the contract for the autonomy program’s initial phase cost $13 million, with each of the 20 winners receiving $400,000.
Work for the next stage will take place over 18 to 24 months. Four companies will be evaluated according to their performance and become eligible for a Phase II contract worth $1.9 million.
“To support mobility and navigation across multiple terrains, it’s important we develop and employ ground and aerial robotic autonomous systems throughout the Army,” US Army Autonomy Portfolio Manager Nicole Fox stated.
“Solutions developed via the competition – and through follow-on [Small Business Innovation Research] contracts – will support Soldier safety and efficiency in contested environments.”
Flight Trial for US Air Force
Xwing conducted a separate autonomy test under the US Air Force’s innovation arm AFWERX earlier this year.
The activity validated the startup’s flight technology on a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan high-wing aircraft for autonomous takeoffs and landings as well as cargo transports between bases in California.
