Performance Drone Works (PDW), a developer of rugged autonomous drones, is advancing small drone capabilities from a first-person view with its Attritable Multirotor FPV (AM-FPV).
The AM-FPV was developed to meet the growing needs of front-line forces and first responders as they begin to adopt organic FPV assets. The system supports both kinetic and intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) missions in a single flexible platform.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has underscored the importance of drones that can be deployed quickly. In response, the AM-FPV was designed for rapid assembly, under 120 seconds, without the need for tools or soldering. This allows operators to quickly build, repair, and redeploy in the field.
Featuring swappable arms and a universal mount, the AM-FPV is a modular system designed for adaptability and mission flexibility. It is suited for precision strikes, with both anti-personnel and anti-material capabilities, even in harsh conditions and contested environments. Optimized for both daytime and nighttime operations, the system includes IR and LED illumination to provide a clear sight picture in various scenarios.
The war in Ukraine has illustrated how cost-effective, weaponized drones produced at scale are influencing the battlefield. Many militaries are now seeking similar capabilities. PDW aims to manufacture attritable drone systems at scale and at a lower cost compared to conventional alternatives. This approach supports front-line forces that require reliable and adaptable tools for multi-domain operations.
Ryan Gury, PDW co-founder and CEO, stated, “In this new era of warfare, the name of the game is delivering increased lethality, manufactured at scale for minimal investment. We’re doing just that. As General Fenton recently testified to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Special Operations Forces are prioritizing attritable, affordable uncrewed systems that can be employed at scale. Current conflicts around the globe are shaping the way militaries view and use drones. As a result, drones have become a new form of artillery.
“To put it simply, our customers want quality, hardened, reliable systems at scale. It’s our duty to ensure we exceed these requirements. We’ve continually refined and flown our FPV to its limits to ensure failure isn’t an option when it gets in the hands of our warfighters.”
PDW, also known for the C100 sUAS, is applying its experience to the FPV domain with the AM-FPV, which builds on the design of the Drone Racing League (DRL) Racer Series FPV. With over a decade of design iteration and operational use in contested electronic environments, the AM-FPV reflects the input of experienced FPV engineers and U.S. Special Operations Forces veterans. The result is a tactical system intended to give military operators and first responders a practical advantage in high-stakes scenarios.
