AeroVironment taps FlightWave Aerospace VTOL technology for next-gen, tactical UAS

DENVER. FlightWave Aerospace Systems Inc. in Santa Monica, California, has entered into a strategic relationship with AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV), maker of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), in Monrovia, Calif., to enable the incorporation of FlightWave’s patented Edge vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) system technology in AeroVironment’s next-generation UAS.

“We are thrilled to work with AeroVironment, the leading manufacturer in the industry,” says Edmund Cronin, chief marketing officer at FlightWave Aerospace. “The Edge’s novel VTOL technology enables it to take off and land anywhere without the assistance of additional infrastructure, which means there are no limits when it comes to remote locations. We are honored to be part of this effort to deliver even more valuable capabilities to our military forces.”

AeroVironment plans to adapt the technology behind the Edge, FlightWave’s premier product, by building upon its capabilities for future applications in tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and situational awareness (SA) missions.

“FlightWave’s Edge unmanned aircraft system offers unique capabilities that fit well into our innovative next-generation family of UAS,” says David Sharpin, AeroVironment vice president of tactical UAS. “By working with FlightWave, we can speed the delivery of next-generation capabilities to our customers, continuing to provide troops the critical battlefield information they rely on to win. This relationship highlights AeroVironment’s commitment to work with innovators such as FlightWave to rapidly deliver the best possible solutions for our customers. We believe Edge technology, combined with our battle proven solutions, will enhance our ecosystem of tactical UAS products.”