Silent Arrow has secured a significant advancement in its operations with a $1.8 million contract awarded by the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This Direct to Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract will enable the company to develop and test six of its CLS-200 unmanned aerial systems (UAS), also referred to as the Contested Logistics System.
The CLS-200 is engineered to carry a substantial payload of 500 pounds (227 kilograms) over an impressive range of 200 nautical miles (230 miles or 370 kilometers). This capability positions the drone as a vital asset for logistical operations, especially in contested environments where traditional supply routes may be compromised.
Chip Yates, the founder and CEO of Silent Arrow, expressed gratitude towards the US Air Force and AFRL for their support, emphasizing the contract’s potential to enhance the company’s offerings for warfighters. The upcoming flight testing, scheduled to take place at Silent Arrow’s facility in Pendleton, Oregon, promises to be a pivotal moment for the company. During these tests, five units will be air-dropped using a longline technique from a UH-1H rotorcraft, while a sixth unit will be delivered directly to the Air Force for in-depth evaluation.
The CLS-200 is an evolutionary step in drone technology, building upon the foundation laid by Silent Arrow’s previous model, the GD-2000. Unlike its predecessor, the CLS-200 is designed to travel six times further, thanks to its innovative propulsion and propeller system. This advancement not only enhances operational range but also emphasizes the UAS’s potential as a cost-effective, single-use solution for military logistics.
Notably, the CLS-200 shares several features with the CLS-300 model, which recently embarked on its own flight tests. Both systems are designed to be air-droppable and capable of launching from diverse ground surfaces, including unimproved areas and naval vessels, making them versatile tools for modern military operations.
The success of the GD-2000 has led to its mass production by Silent Arrow’s manufacturing partner, MEL Group, adhering to AS9100 quality standards in the UK. Furthermore, Airbus DS Airborne Solutions GmbH has taken on the crucial role of distributing and supporting the heavy cargo delivery UAS platform in Europe, broadening its operational reach and potential applications.
As Silent Arrow continues to innovate within the drone technology space, this new contract marks a substantial milestone in enhancing military logistics capabilities, paving the way for a future where unmanned systems play a pivotal role in supporting armed forces worldwide.
