Additional Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) included in the authorized Blue UAS registry
The Defense Innovation Unit (DUI) of the Department of Defense (DOD) has expanded its list of approved drones for government use, which is commonly referred to as Blue UAS. Four new unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have joined the approved ranks: WingtraOne by Wingtra, Spirit by Ascent AeroSystems, eBee TAC by senseFly (an AgEagle company), and AltaX by Freefly Systems.
These fresh additions were approved through the Blue UAS 2.0 pilot program, a streamlined approach to expedite the process for drones to receive government approval. The original Blue UAS list, known as Blue UAS 1.0, had already featured five approved models, such as the X2D by Skydio, since August 2020. Parrot has two distinct models listed- the Anafi USA MIL and the Anafi USA GOV.
Blue UAS programs are designed to ensure the security, reliability, and compliance of drones used within government agencies. The Blue UAS 2.0 program requires applicants to go through an evaluation process that includes cybersecurity assessments, policy compliance checks, and obtaining necessary approval documents. The recently approved drones were not required to be modified for their approvals.
Here is a summary of the four new Blue UAS-approved drones:
- WingtraOne by Wingtra: VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) capability, flight time of 59 minutes with a payload, and can fly in winds of up to 27 mph. It is optimized for complex surveying and mapping missions. It was designed with the aim of providing easier access for DoD and federal government clients.
- Spirit by Ascent AeroSystems: All-weather capability, weighs almost 10 pounds, and has a top speed of over 60 mph. Its modular design supports the use of various sensors, making it suitable for mission-critical applications.
- eBee TAC by senseFly: Maximum flight time of around 90 minutes, over 34 miles range, weighs 3.6 pounds, and can fly in "silent mission" mode. The drone offers camera options such as RGB, 3D, multispectral, and thermal payloads.
- AltaX by Freefly Systems: All-electric, VTOL capability, 35 pounds of usable payload capacity, and folds down to half its deployed size. The drone can accommodate a variety of integrated sensors and third-party payloads like gimbaled EO/IR, survey grade RTK/PPK mapping cameras, LiDAR, hyperspectral sensors, and drop/delivery capabilities.
Officials from each drone manufacturer expressed excitement about joining the Blue UAS Cleared List, as it would make their products more accessible to government clients, ultimately saving them time and money with updated acquisition policies.
- The Defense Innovation Unit has added four new drones, including the WingtraOne by Wingtra, to the Blue UAS list, a selection of approved drones for government use.
- The WingtraOne, with a VTOL capability, a flight time of 59 minutes, and the ability to fly in winds of up to 27 mph, was designed for complex surveying and mapping missions.
- The AltaX by Freefly Systems, an all-electric VTOL drone, can accommodate a variety of integrated sensors and third-party payloads, and folds down to half its deployed size.
- Officials from manufacturers like Wingtra and Freefly Systems expressed excitement about their drones being approved for the Blue UAS Cleared List, as it would make their products more accessible to government clients, potentially saving them time and money.
%20included%20in%20the%20authorized%20Blue%20UAS%20registry){kind=link}