U.S.-Based Drone Production Is Urgent in
Face of Global Competition
MANASSAS, Va., May 8, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- RapidFlight, designer and mass manufacturer of
unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for the global defense industry,
hosted Congressman Rob Wittman
(VA-01), Vice Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, at
its headquarters in Manassas,
Virginia, last week.
RapidFlight gave Congressman Wittman an update on its ability to
immediately disrupt the industry with affordable,
mission-customizable drones that can provide five times the
capability in range and endurance at a fraction of the unit price
compared to traditional small UAV systems available today. The
company's approach, called AgileAviation, includes more than 20
customizable UAV designs to date and a proprietary
software-hardware stack that takes aim at ensuring that the U.S.
will compete with overseas production in countries such as
China.
During a two-hour visit, RapidFlight demonstrated its
approach to cracking the UAV code, including a tour of its mass
manufacturing facility that employs dozens of local workers and its
ability to manufacture at the tactical edge with its Mobile
Production System (MPS), introduced earlier this year.
RapidFlight's approach begins with the mission in mind and then
builds an airframe around the payload, helping create more
effective unmanned systems customized to complete the specific
mission at hand. RapidFlight's AgileAviation approach means its
UAVs can flexibly integrate variants including the propulsion,
navigation, payload, and communication systems in support of
the United States and its
allies.
During the visit, Wittman asserted the needs of the U.S. Armed
Forces and its allies for innovative, mass produced yet quickly
customizable ready-now solutions to address an increasingly
challenging global environment.
"We get so wrapped up in doing science project after science
project, but you have to be able to scale it and have an
operational effect," said Wittman, discussing the current state of
Pentagon technology development.
Earlier this year, Congressman Wittman played an integral role
in incorporating the American Security Drone Act within the 2024
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The act is helping
promote American superiority and competitiveness within the drone
market while protecting against IP theft and data security
violations by adversaries. Now, Congressman Wittman is visiting
established domestic drone manufacturers, such as RapidFlight, that
are bringing advanced, affordable, and mission-adaptable U.S. drone
production for defense needs at scale.
After Congressman Wittman familiarized himself with RapidFlight
and its flexible manufacturing capabilities at its Virginia industrial facility and at the
tactical edge through its MPS program, he took questions from
RapidFlight staff about the future of defense technology, global
affairs, and next steps for the sector.
"Our great men and women in uniform need tools to get the job
done," said Wittman, during the question-and-answer session with
RapidFlight personnel. "Thank you for being the innovators and
creators we need."
"Congressional engagement with companies like RapidFlight is
critical to national defense. Congressman Wittman can help
facilitate innovative solutions from emerging manufacturers aimed
at bolstering our national defense strategy," said Mike Uffelman, Director of Growth at
RapidFlight. "We are excited to work with our elected officials on
Capitol Hill to provide our service members with the tools they
need to accomplish the mission."
About RapidFlight
Based in Manassas, Virginia, RapidFlight is a design,
technology, and manufacturing company capable of producing
thousands of customized, low-cost, mission-ready, unmanned systems
both centrally and at the tactical edge. The company's advanced
digital design and manufacturing processes, called AgileAviation,
and experienced team of industry professionals are setting new
standards in aircraft customization and mass manufacturing.
RapidFlight addresses the dynamic challenges and stringent
timelines critical to national security. For more details,
visit www.rapidflight.aero.
Media Contact:
Clara Debrun-Sittler
(503) 919-1273
clara@leverenz.com
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SOURCE RapidFlight