Performance Drone Works (PDW) a leading developer of mission-versatile small unmanned aerial system (sUAS), has been awarded a $6.9M contract from the Special Operations Forces Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics (SOF AT&L) office for delivery of Blackwave, a next-generation radio system specifically designed to overcome contested and congested RF environments.
“The war in Ukraine has made it clear that drone systems must complete missions in highly contested environments where radio interference and unreliable GPS are the rule rather than the exception,” said Ryan Gury, PDW’s CEO.
Blackwave is a secure, digital link resistant to intentional and unintentional interference. This system permits critical communications and the operation of small robotics in highly contested environments.
Previously tested and challenged by the Joint Vulnerability Assessment Branch (JVAB), Blackwave has been proven to be a durable, tactical wireless link.
“We believe Blackwave will be a game-changer that contributes to a new era in radio development for American defense and small robotics,” added Trevor Smith, PDW’s CSO.
The partnership between PDW and USSOCOM furthers their commitments to military innovation by solving problems in an evolving battlefield and arming future warfighters with state-of-the-art technology.
