Editor-Curated Robotics Industry Briefing - RobotToday

AEVEX Corp. Secures $92M Contract for Hypersonic Flight Test Support with Drones

AEVEX Corp. has secured a potential contract worth $92.2 million to support the U.S. military's SkyRange hypersonic test program over three years. This contract will enable AEVEX to conduct flight operations across designated corridors in the Western U.S. and the Pacific, focusing on airborne telemetry, communications, and payload integration. The significance of this contract lies in its innovative approach to hypersonic testing. By utilizing unmanned aircraft, such as converted RQ-4 Global Hawks, as airborne test platforms, the SkyRange program enhances data collection capabilities during flight tests. This flexibility is crucial, as hypersonic vehicles can traverse vast distances rapidly, making traditional fixed tracking stations less effective. Looking ahead, AEVEX's role will encompass the integration of airborne range equipment with the SkyRange architecture and support for resilient communications systems. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.