Nichols Martin
Aevum has patented a technology that would allow a large unmanned aircraft system to reconfigure between different modes depending on mission needs, C4ISRnet reported Friday.
The Ravn X drone is equipped with a new modular technology that allows it to assume modes for different types of uses: transporting smaller drones, delivering air cargo, supporting intelligence missions and launching small rockets to orbit.
The drone can carry cargo, small rockets and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors, has a payload capacity of 15,000 pounds.
Aevum holds a $5 million contract with the U.S. Space Force to perform the ASLON-45 mission, where the company will attempt to demonstrate payload launching with Ravn X.
Jay Skylus, CEO of Aevum, said the company focuses on providing logistics, which can apply to both physical cargo and data gathered from sensors.
According to the company, the drone is not expected to replace existing, mission-specific drones used in the military, but rather present more usability options.
