Performance Drone Works (PDW)’s unmanned systems are designed to meet the evolving demands of modern military operations by delivering agile, low-signature solutions for target designation and precision strike support.
The company’s C100 quadcopter has been demonstrated as a flexible, reliable platform capable of operating in contested environments where traditional assets face significant limitations.
Overview
Modern armed forces encounter growing difficulties in delivering precision fires against high-value targets within contested environments. Conventional manned platforms and outdated targeting systems place personnel at risk and lack the range, flexibility, and survivability needed, particularly in anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) situations.
Military units now require responsive, low-signature systems capable of designating targets deep within the operational area while maintaining agility and cost-efficiency.
Live-Fire Demonstration
To support these objectives, PDW conducted a live-fire demonstration of the C100 equipped with the Leonardo DRS STAG™ 5 laser target designator (LTD) for the UK Ministry of Defence.
Taking place at the 9 Mile Testing Center in Texas, the exercise validated the C100’s ability to track and designate targets for ground-launched APKWS rockets, with all munitions landing accurately within the intended impact zone.
Additionally, a long-range test featuring the NextVision DragonEye2 EO/IR payload confirmed sustained command, control, and video transmission at distances beyond 8.5 km, emphasizing the drone’s endurance and dependable performance.
Throughout the trial, the C100 operated with both LTD and non-LTD payloads, demonstrating its flexible payload integration and suitability for various mission types.
The demonstration showcased the C100’s ability to deliver precise, real-time targeting with reduced operator exposure. By pushing targeting capabilities farther forward without reliance on traditional manned aircraft or forward-deployed observers, the system allows for faster engagement and improved survivability.
In highly contested operational settings, delivering precision strikes without depending on conventional platforms offers both tactical and strategic benefits. The C100 presents a modular, autonomous solution that supports high-tempo, multi-domain operations and improves the overall effectiveness of long-range precision fires.
Objectives
The project, funded by the UK Ministry of Defence, aimed to advance defense capabilities through innovative technology applications. As part of the effort, the demonstration focused on testing next-generation target designation systems for increased accuracy and operational dependability in support of UK military requirements.
PDW’s main objective was to validate the C100 platform with the integrated Leonardo DRS STAG™ 5 LTD by guiding live-fire launches of APKWS 2.75” rockets to verify targeting accuracy.
Results
The C100 successfully acquired and designated targets for three APKWS rocket strikes using the STAG 5 payload. Each impact occurred within the intended target zone, affirming the platform’s precision and operational value for aerial target designation missions.
Complementing this, PDW completed a long-range evaluation using the C100 outfitted with the NextVision DragonEye2 EO/IR system. The drone maintained consistent control and video feedback at distances exceeding 8.5 km, demonstrating robust long-range communication and surveillance capabilities.
Throughout the demonstration, PDW operated the C100 with and without the LTD payload to highlight the drone’s mission flexibility and consistent performance across multiple operational profiles.
Ryan Gury, co-founder and CEO of PDW, commented, “PDW is committed to advancing technology at the pace of modern warfare, and we are excited to continue working with both domestic and international allies to provide cutting-edge capabilities for mission success.”
