Performance Drone Works (PDW), a developer of mission-versatile small unmanned aerial system (sUAS), has been awarded a $6.9 million contract from the Special Operations Forces Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics (SOF AT&L) office.
The contract will see the delivery of Blackwave, a next-generation radio system specifically designed to overcome contested and congested RF environments.
Blackwave is a secure, digital link that is resistant to intentional and unintentional interference. This system permits critical communications and the operation of small robotics in highly contested environments.
Previously tested and challenged by the Joint Vulnerability Assessment Branch (JVAB), Blackwave has been proven to be a durable, tactical wireless link.
“The war in Ukraine has made it clear that drone systems must complete missions in highly contested environments where radio interference and unreliable GPS are the rule rather than the exception,” said Ryan Gury, PDW’s CEO.
“We believe Blackwave will be a gamechanger that contributes to a new era in radio development for American defense and small robotics,” added Trevor Smith, PDW’s CSO.
According to PDW, the partnership with USSOCOM furthers commitments to military innovation by solving problems in an evolving battlefield and arming the future warfighter with state-of-the-art technology.
