US Army Awards Red Cat Major Contract for Edge 130 Blue UAS to Enhance ISR and Combat Drone Operations.

On October 16, 2024, Red Cat Holdings, Inc., a company specializing in drone technology, announced that it had secured a $1 million contract from the United States Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) for its Edge 130 Blue drones. This contract marks a big step for the company, representing a closer collaboration with the U.S. Army. The contract was awarded through Noble, a major global logistical and operational support provider for the U.S. Army and civilian government agencies, with procurement coordinated by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) on behalf of CECOM.
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 Red Cat Edge 130 Blue drone (Picture source: Red Cat)

The Edge 130 Blue, a military-grade unmanned aerial system (UAS), was specifically designed for government and military use, focusing on long-range mapping, inspection, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. It is part of Red Cat's growing portfolio of advanced drone systems, which integrate cutting-edge robotic hardware and sophisticated software for military, government, and commercial operations.

Red Cat's recent acquisition of FlightWave in September 2024, a leader in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones and sensor solutions, was crucial in securing this contract. FlightWave’s flagship drone, the Edge 130 Blue, is now fully integrated into Red Cat's portfolio of low-cost, portable unmanned reconnaissance and precision strike systems. This acquisition has strengthened Red Cat’s ability to offer versatile and advanced solutions to the U.S. Army.

FlightWave’s Edge 130 Blue is particularly well-suited for maritime and littoral operations due to its size, lightweight design, and vertical take-off and landing capabilities. Additionally, FlightWave's recent Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) award will accelerate the development and enhancement of the Edge 130 Blue, making it an even more powerful tool for the U.S. Army.

The Edge 130 Blue UAS is a tricopter designed for quick deployment and operational efficiency in the field. Weighing only 1200 grams, it can be assembled and hand-launched by a single user in just one minute. With a flight time of over 60 minutes in forward mode, it is an endurance leader among drones approved under the Blue UAS program.

This capability allows the drone to capture high-accuracy aerial imagery with medium-range autonomy, making it indispensable for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The drone's lightweight and portable nature, combined with its advanced sensor technology, ensures that it can deliver real-time intelligence and situational awareness to ground forces in various operational environments.

The Edge 130 Blue is certified under the Blue UAS program, a U.S. government initiative aimed at ensuring that military drones meet the highest standards of cybersecurity, safety, and operational capability. This certification further underscores the drone's reliability and effectiveness in military applications.

By securing this contract, Red Cat has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the U.S. Army’s modernization strategy, which aims to transform the forces into a combat-ready, multi-domain entity capable of operating on land, in the air, at sea, in space, and in cyberspace. As Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat, noted: “We are committed to supporting the U.S. Army’s modernization strategy and transformation into a multi-domain force where small, portable unmanned aerial systems like the Edge 130 play an increasing role in conducting intelligence, maneuver, and strike activities across multiple battlefield formations.”

The U.S. Army’s focus on C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems is at the core of this modernization effort. These systems are essential for enabling full-spectrum combat operations, providing commanders with the tools they need to conduct integrated and agile operations. The Edge 130 Blue, with its rapid deployment and advanced ISR capabilities, fits perfectly into this strategic vision.

The $1 million contract awarded by the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command for Red Cat’s Edge 130 Blue drones represents a major step forward for both Red Cat Holdings and the U.S. Army. As military operations increasingly rely on advanced, portable UAS for ISR and strike missions, the Edge 130 Blue is set to become a vital asset in the U.S. Army’s arsenal. With ongoing support from the Defense Logistics Agency and the integration of FlightWave’s expertise, Red Cat is poised to play a critical role in the U.S. Army’s modernization strategies and its multi-domain combat operations.