Performance Drone Works (PDW) has received more than $15.3 million in contracts to deliver its proprietary C100 small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) to the US Army.
The drones will support the force’s posture across high-profile theaters, according to the Alabama-based company, with most to be distributed across the Indo-Pacific, European, and Central Command areas of responsibility.
The “game-changing” capabilities are expected to provide medium-range reconnaissance and tactical air support.
“The C100 drone is setting a new standard for battlefield agility and operational impact, equipping Soldiers with the ability to conduct missions autonomously without external fire support,” PDW Co-Founder and CEO Ryan Gury stated.
“We are honored to support the Army’s critical objectives and proud to deliver a solution that enables the maneuver force with decentralized and dispersed capabilities.”
PDW’s award followed the firm’s selection in September for the US Army’s Directed Requirement for Company-Level sUAS, a broader program seeking small drones for company-level intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance missions.
‘Cutting-Edge’ Technology
The C100 weighs 21 pounds (10 kilograms) and has a payload capacity of about 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms).
The low-acoustic drone is equipped with night mode vision guides, collision avoidance and position hold system, and advanced flight autonomy with optional AI-based computing integration.
It can operate in environments with temperatures ranging from -20 to 57 degrees Celsius (-4 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit) and resist dust particles and water.
C100 has a range of 6 miles (10 kilometers), a speed of 40 miles (65 kilometers) per hour, a maximum altitude of 12,000 feet (3,658 miles), and 74 minutes of endurance.
“PDW is transforming the battlefield with cutting-edge drone technology,” PDW Board Chairman and former US Special Operations Commander Tony Thomas commented on the recent contracts.
“The C100 provides our warfighters with a decisive advantage, delivering unparalleled operational flexibility and survivability in today’s contested environments.”
