WingXpand’s unique feature is described in its name. The wings on what appear to be a fixed wing drone literally expand out to 7 feet from a form factor small enough to be carried in a backpack. The design offers major benefits, providing the portability of a quad with the flight endurance of a fixed wing. Now, the U.S. Air Force has granted WingXpand a contract “for the customization and ruggedization of its unique 7ft backpackable aircraft,” says a company press release.
As wildfire season comes earlier and earlier to North America, government and state agencies are seeking new solutions for managing fires. The AirForce has contracted WingXpand to upgrade their aircraft to deal with more significant weather conditions, and to integrate advanced fire spotting software. “This notable contract underscores WingXpand’s pioneering role in the field of aerial intelligence and its significant contributions to national security and environmental safety,” says the release.
The new aircraft combines size, power, and versatility. Although compact enough to fit into a backpack, it offers more than two hours of autonomous flight time while carrying two pounds of customizable sensors for data collection. This capability is invaluable across various industries, like public safety, agriculture, and inspections, allowing comprehensive and flexible aerial surveys, more safely and effectively.
At the heart of the aircraft is a smart computer with Edge AI, a cutting-edge technology that enables the aircraft to detect early signs of wildfires autonomously. By identifying potential threats early, emergency services can respond faster, saving homes, wildlife, and most importantly, human lives.
James Barbieri, CEO and Co-Founder of WingXpand, said, “Our collaboration with the U.S. Air Force and the contract we’ve secured emphasizes the innovative work we do. Not only have we developed an easy and powerful aircraft, but our AI technology will also contribute significantly to preventing wildfire loss. We’re excited to bring such a valuable tool to the U.S. Air Force and the nation.”
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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