Drone | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Drone’ Category

Mystery Ranch Special Projects Service

Tuesday, May 5th, 2026

Purpose-built systems for specific requirements.MYSTERY RANCH Special Projects Service exists to solve problems where off-the-shelf solutions are insufficient. The team at MYSTERY RANCH designs and manufactures custom load carriage systems for companies and teams with unique operational requirements.

Working collaboratively with the client, each system is shaped by real-world requirements, from drone transport and modular medical systems to communications, sensors, robotics, and other complex payloads. From concept through field testing, every solution is designed and delivered with the innovation and quality MYSTERY RANCH is known for. The result is purpose-built equipment engineered to solve specific operational challenges integrating protection, accessibility, and human performance from the start.

If it needs to be carried by a person, they can create a solution.

For more information on how MSYTERY RANCH can provide a load carriage solution for you, contact sales@mysteryranch.com.

Stop by the MYSTERY RANCH booth, SOF Select at SOF Week, Tuesday May 19 – Wednesday May 20 at the HILTON TAMPA DOWNTOWN, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL.

Case Study: MYSTERY RANCH × PDW

C100 Multi-Mission Pack | Custom Load Carriage Solution

The C100 is a man-packable, multi-mission unmanned aircraft system that gives warfighters airborne ISR, targeting, and precision-effects capability from a single rucksack.

MYSTERY RANCH developed a purpose-built rucksack for PDW’s C100 sUAS, enabling a single operator to transport the complete system on foot. The pack supports movement through austere terrain and confined environments, including enclosed structures and stairwells, while maintaining balance, protection, and rapid access.

Custom design. Collaborative development. Built to move when the mission demands it.

Posted in Advertiser, Drone, Guest Post, SOF Select | No Comments »

FlyTrap 5.0 Puts Emerging Tech in Warfighters’ Hands

Tuesday, May 5th, 2026

PABRAD? TRAINING AREA, Lithuania – U.S. infantry Soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment prepare for the force-on-force phase of Project FlyTrap 5.0 at Pabrad? Training Area, Lithuania, May 2. FlyTrap 5.0 integrates autonomous and unmanned ground vehicles, first-person view drones and counter-unmanned aerial systems on the simulated battlefield.

The day marked the third consecutive day of preparation and system integration for the exercise, which included an exercise briefing attended by U.S. Soldiers and U.K. paratroopers participating in the force-on-force portion of FlyTrap 5.0. Soldiers spent the remainder of the day conducting drone familiarization, operating unmanned ground vehicles and rehearsing C-UAS procedures in preparation for the upcoming engagement.

Among those preparing was Spc. Arthur Tugman, an infantryman assigned to 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, who has taken on the role of unmanned ground vehicle operator for the exercise, a mission set outside his traditional infantry duties.

“My role in FlyTrap 5.0 is to serve as an unmanned ground vehicle operator, where I operate various unmanned ground vehicle platforms to transport equipment, Soldiers, unmanned aerial systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems to wherever they are needed,” Tugman said.

The integration of infantry Soldiers into UGV operations reflects a broader theme running through FlyTrap 5.0; placing emerging technology directly in the hands of warfighters regardless of their primary specialty, and using their feedback to drive rapid improvements across the force. FlyTrap 5.0 hopes to organically assimilate these new duties to Soldiers already assigned to units.

Tugman said the speed at which his unit has been able to absorb and operate the new systems has been one of the more surprising aspects of the exercise.

“Something I learned that I didn’t expect was how fast the United States Army is able to integrate new systems into warfighting tactics,” he said. “I’d say this equipment is very easy to use. I’m able to pick it up, turn it on, and send it wherever it needs to go, as far as it needs to go, as fast as it needs to go.”

That ease of use, Tugman said, has direct implications for how the soldiers could employ these systems at scale across the force.

“If all our technology works the way it’s supposed to, we will preserve manpower as well as accomplish the mission faster and more effectively,” he said.

For Tugman, the measure of success extends beyond the exercise itself. He described his goal as helping establish repeatable, standardized procedures for integrating C-UAS and UGV capabilities into 2nd Cavalry Regiment’s formations; procedures he hopes will eventually be adopted Army-wide.

U.S. and Allied forces conduct Project Fly Trap 5.0 as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains.

Story by SGT Max Elliott

196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Posted in Army, Drone, Guest Post, Robotics, Unmanned Systems, UxS | No Comments »

MDM 26 – Pro-Shot Defense Introduces Drone Operator Field Tool & Lens Cleaning Kit

Thursday, April 30th, 2026

Pro-Shot Products has been around for 44 years, offering cleaning products to firearms enthusiasts. For the last 10, they’ve supported military and law enforcement with ever more specialized kits.

Making its debut at Modern Day Marine is the Drone Operator Field Tool & Lens Cleaning Kit. Considering the number of drones being procured under Drone Dominance, it’s great to see accessories coming out. More details soon.

Posted in Drone, MDM | No Comments »

101st ABN DIV (AA) First to Employ Aevex Atlas Technology at JRTC

Thursday, April 30th, 2026

FORT POLK, La.– The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) became the first Division to use an Aevex Atlas Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), Fort Polk, Louisiana, April 5, 2026. Soldiers went through a mix of intensive classroom instruction, hands-on machine and flight operations. The comprehensive training culminates in the system’s first validation during the unit’s Combine Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX), April 18, 2026.

The rotation marks the first integration of the Atlas system at JRTC, a result of the company’s partnership with Project Manager Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (PM UAS) to provide Soldiers with advanced loitering munition and UAS capabilities through flight simulations and mission planning.

“This is the product’s first time at JRTC. This is a new milestone. This product will be graded [at the CALFEX], it’ll be interesting to get that feedback from the operations group,” said Caroline Christian, Logistics Analyst, PM UAS.

As a multi-domain Group II Launched Effects system, the Atlas can be deployed from land, air, or sea. It provides forward-stationed commanders with organic, instant access to Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) assets and smart munitions, significantly enhancing lethality at the Forward Line of Troops (FLOT).

The Atlas includes a scout drone, which surveys, finds targets, and can be seen through a live video feed on the handheld Soldier Robotic Controller (SROC). The Atlas autonomous attack drone, called a “Storm”, enables Soldiers to command precision strikes on targets in contested and denied environments.

By utilizing these autonomous systems, units can execute fire support missions without exposing personnel to enemy counter-fire.

“No human life is in danger when these attack drones are employed,” said Staff Sgt. Randy Denson, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

The primary objective of PM UAS is to replace physical exposure with technological endurance. For the leadership at PM UAS, the value of the Aevex system is simple: it is better to lose a drone than a life.

“These drones keep our Soldiers out of harm’s way and safe. Pieces of metal can go in front of the line and get shot down. And Soldiers can be kept safe,” said Heather Cole, Assistant Product Manager, PM UAS.

Building proficiency with the Atlas system requires high-volume repetition. Soldiers “learn by doing”, an approach deeply rooted in Army doctrine.

“We want to make Soldiers bored, not because it’s boring, but I mean repetition,” said Blaine Tirendi, Director of Group 2 UAS, Aevex “So we’re having them plan different missions…So they understand the graphic user interface.”

Soldiers have noted the effectiveness of this “learn-by-doing” method.

“We’re on day six of training, [I feel] eight or nine out of 10 proficiency with the system,” said Staff Sgt. William Shouse, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

By putting Aevex’s Atlas directly into the hands of 101st Soldiers, PM UAS is ensuring that the next generation of technology is built for the user, by the user.

“Our main mission is to get feedback from the Soldiers so that we can improve the technology,” said Cole.“We’re trying to make sure the technology grows so that it helps Soldiers in a wartime situation.”

The end state is for Soldiers to become self-sufficient in employing the Atlas system during high-intensity operations. Having the technology in the hands of the 101st allows developers to refine the platform for the future fight.

“The Aevex engineers who designed the Atlas system are here to integrate Soldiers’ feedback in real time. That feedback loop is very quick, we’re making changes and maturing the technology right now,” said Christian.

By SPC Mariam Diallo

Posted in Admin, Army, Drone, Guest Post | No Comments »

Mountain Horse Solutions Wins Drone Dominance Lethality Prize Challenge

Wednesday, April 29th, 2026

SARASOTA, FL – (April 29, 2026) – Through the Department of War Drone Dominance Program, Mountain Horse Solutions — a Global Ordnance company — in partnership with Gale Force Marine, Argus Industrial, and Crucial Defense Technologies, has been selected as a winner of the Drone Dominance Program (DDP) Lethality Prize Challenge.

This challenge focuses on identifying scalable and modular lethal payload solutions that can transform any Group 1 sUAS into a one-way attack system or droppable munition capable in minutes. Mountain Horse Solutions has brought together outstanding warhead and explosive design, safe-and-arm systems, remote explosive initiation systems — and integrated them into a dynamically lethal capability for any drone on the market.

“This is exactly the kind of problem set we are built for — delivering adaptable, scalable lethal solutions that keep pace with the lightning-fast evolution of drone warfare,” said Bill Allen, president of Mountain Horse Solutions. “This is a big step toward accelerating safe integration and real-world deployment, and we are poised to bring these solutions to the warfighter.”

Mountain Horse Solutions Lethality Focus Areas:

• Integration across multiple Group 1 sUAS platforms.

• Support both live and training payload configurations.

• Scalable ESAD/EMSAD safety architectures suitable for government safety review and approval processes.

• Ability to demonstrate integrated drone-payload system at DDG2 events.

Mountain Horse Solutions, through its parent company Global Ordnance, provides comprehensive, turn-key munitions and explosives safety, transportation, and storage solutions — particularly for DDP participants. With full firearms, munitions, and explosives licenses in place, the company enables drone manufacturers to focus on their core competency, while Mountain Horse Solutions manages full lethality and munition integration —delivering mission-ready armed drones to the government.

“The requirements and licenses required to handle and arm munitions are extensive, and we are well-versed and compliant in all aspects, alleviating the need for each individual drone manufacturer to undergo that effort and expense,” Allen said.

About the Drone Dominance Program

The Drone Dominance Program (DDP) is awarding $1.1 billion in prototype orders utilizing 10 U.S.C. 4022 over four independent phases. This multi-phase plan is an advanced market commitment: the Department is posting quantities and prices up front and will award fixed price prototype deliveries with vendors whose systems meet the Gauntlet performance and delivery requirements. Each phase includes a Gauntlet test event, run by the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC), and ends with delivery of sUAS via an Other Transaction —Prototype delivery order for the winners of the Gauntlet.

At the completion of the DDP, multiple U.S. vendors will have demonstrated the ability to produce capable, low-cost, secure supply-chain sUAS at scale, enabling Services to integrate these capabilities into future acquisition pathways. Drone Dominance is relying on industry to innovate to complete battlefield missions, reduce unit costs and scale production, with a preference for systems sourced and manufactured primarily in the United States.

About Mountain Horse Solutions

Mountain Horse Solutions delivers high-performance, mission-tailored solutions for defense, first responders, and critical infrastructure worldwide. The company specializes in rapid-response equipment, integrated systems, and targeted training to address infectious disease threats, advanced security challenges, and CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) hazards. Capabilities span Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO); C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance); and cutting-edge protective technologies.

Every solution is purpose-built to meet the specific operational demands of military personnel, government agencies, and commercial partners — ensuring precision, reliability, and readiness in the most demanding environments. Backed by a global team with extensive experience serving the U.S. Department of Defense, Federal agencies, and international customers, Mountain Horse Solutions stands ready to solve the most complex challenges. To learn more about Mountain Horse Solutions, visit www.mtnhorse.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Drone, Press Release | No Comments »

Teledyne FLIR Defense Grows Third-Party Payload Integration Program, Adds Emesent Hovermap LiDAR for Unmanned Air, Ground, and Detection Platforms

Wednesday, April 29th, 2026

Newly certified payload works across drones, robots, and radiation detection systems to speed deployment of GPS-denied mapping and fused CBRN visualizationsQUANTICO, VA, April 28, 2026 — Unveiled at Modern Day Marine 2026, Teledyne FLIR Defense announced the expansion of its Third-Party Payload Integration Program with the certification of Emesent’s Hovermap LiDAR Payload. The agreement will deliver Emesent’s GPS-denied 3D-mapping capabilities across Teledyne FLIR’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS), ground robots, and radiation detection platforms.

The Emesent–Teledyne FLIR combination addresses a GPS-denial gap in air and ground domains where unmanned systems can lose GPS connectivity in common operating areas, such as tunnels, urban structures, and CBRN-contaminated spaces. Using LiDAR-based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), Emesent’s Hovermap payload generates accurate 3D maps without GPS or external infrastructure.

On Teledyne FLIR’s SkyRanger® R70 and R80D SkyRaider® UAS platforms, Hovermap enables mapping even in GPS-denied environments. Mounted on the company’s SUGV™ 325 ground robot, Hovermap provides users with persistent 3D awareness of complex enclosed environments streamed in real-time. And integrated with Teledyne FLIR’s MUVE™ R430 radiation detection payload on the SUGV, Hovermap allows operators to see not just where a robot has been, but where radiation levels are elevated, giving CBRN teams an immediate, geo-referenced picture of the threat environment.

“Knowing the shape of a space is powerful. Knowing where the radiation is within that space, in real time, without putting a person in harm’s way, is an operational game-changer,” said Stefan Hrabar, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Emesent. “Our partnership with Teledyne FLIR Defense brings together GPS-denied mapping and radiation detection in a way that directly addresses what CBRN operators need in the field.”

“Teledyne FLIR builds platforms trusted for the most demanding CBRN missions in the world,” said Tung Ng, vice president of Unmanned Systems North America for Teledyne FLIR Defense. “Working with Emesent, we’ll be able to give operators a fused, spatial picture of the threat environment they simply haven’t had access to before.

“This is the direction the whole field is heading in, and we’re delivering it now through certified third-party payloads like Hovermap,” Ng added.

Emesent’s Hovermap represents the firm’s success in utilizing Teledyne FLIR Defense’s open-architecture, partner-enabled development ecosystem. Certified payloads are assessed for mechanical fit, electrical interface, software compatibility, and flight performance, giving customers confidence in mission-tailored capabilities from a growing partner ecosystem.

The partnership also establishes a technical foundation for future capability development. Both companies are actively developing autonomous navigation capabilities and expanding multi-sensor fusion beyond radiation to additional CBRN detection modalities.

The integrated systems will be on display at Teledyne FLIR Defense booth #1724 at Modern Day Marine 2026, April 28–30, at Marine Corps Base Quantico.

Posted in Drone, MDM, Press Release | No Comments »

BRAKER Breakthrough: New Air-Delivered Bunker Busting Warhead Tests Successfully

Sunday, April 26th, 2026

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – In a significant leap forward for battlefield technology, U.S. Army Infantry Drone Operators have successfully tested a new warhead designed to be delivered by an unmanned aerial system (UAS).
The live-fire demonstration of the Bunker Rupture and Kinetic Explosive Round (BRAKER), which took place at a Redstone Arsenal in Alabama on March 26, comes only weeks after the initial design and rapid prototyping of the system, showcasing the Army’s accelerated approach to innovation in the face of evolving threats.

VIDEO BELOW:

The Army continuously transforms by using the latest technologies for warfighting advantage, and ensures that the force is lethal, modern and ready. The development of this air-delivered munition directly supports that mission as well as two senior leader priorities in Readiness and Transformation.

SLOW-MOTION VIDEO BELOW:

The BRAKER project, led by a team from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center and Project Manager Close Combat Systems (PM CCS), a project office under the U.S. Army Capability Program Executive Ammunition and Energetics (CPE A&E), aimed to create a lightweight, powerful, and lethal warhead that could be deployed from a small, agile drone.

“Our Picatinny team went from concept to live-fire in two weeks,” said Col. Vincent Morris, PM CCS. “BRAKER proves our ability to rapidly develop and safely deliver devastating effects from small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). We are now creating the architecture with Picatinny Common Lethality Integration Kit (CLIK) and the small universal payload interface (sUPI) for industry to scale this critical warfighter advantage.”

The Picatinny CLIK is a safe and effective method for integrating lethal payloads with UAS platforms, designed and developed by DEVCOM Armaments Center engineers.

The rapid development-to-testing timeline of BRAKER was made possible by the Army’s emphasis on additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing.

Beginning in early March, Armaments Center engineers began design, explosive pressing, housing manufacture, and integration of the warhead to be used on a low-cost and expendable one-way attack drone.

Shortly thereafter, transfer and compatibility tests were conducted at Picatinny and approximately a dozen warheads were assembled, with one being tested on a makeshift bunker on one of the installation’s test ranges.

After proving worthiness and validating effectiveness, the prototype warheads departed Picatinny for Redstone where a live demonstration was conducted for U.S. Army leadership.

The successful detonation of the device deployed on a drone on a designated target demonstrates a new and potent capability for the modern warfighter and illustrates how engineers can quickly design, fabricate, and integrate hardware to meet urgent and compelling needs.

“Rapid demonstrations of overwhelming lethality such as BRAKER are attributed to years of continued technology investments and the organic core technical competencies and facilities resident at the DEVCOM Armaments Center,” said Anthony Sebasto, Executive Director, Munitions Engineering and Technology Center.

By Eric Kowal

Posted in Army, Drone, Guest Post, Munitions | No Comments »

Marine Corps Completes the Early Capability Release of OPF-Light

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026

Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. —

In a pivotal step for infantry modernization, the Marine Corps has successfully completed Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) and the early capability release of the Organic Precision Fires-Light (OPF-L) system.

Managed by the Program Manager for Ground Weapons Systems (PM GWS) at Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC), the OPF-L gives infantry battalions a significant advantage through organic precision strike power. With features like waypoint navigation and target-locking, Marines can guide the munition to its target while maintaining full situational awareness. This allows battalions to strike beyond the enemy’s threat range and dynamically shape the battle before closing with the enemy.

This milestone illustrates how far the program has come in just two years since contract award. “Speed and acceptance of risk have always been the drivers behind this effort, and we have identified any and all opportunities to remove roadblocks and push the limits of acquisition to move quickly,” explained LtCol Jesse Hume, from the Organic Precision Fires program office.

The comprehensive IOT&E tested the full operational sequence of the OPF-L systems. From mission planning and system deployment to target acquisitions, positive identification, and simulated engagement, the event confirmed that the hardware, software, and most importantly, the warfighter, are ready for deployment. This success demonstrates a maturing capability and proves the system’s effectiveness and seamless integration with established infantry tactics.

“This weapon system is important to the Marine Corps because it allows our maneuver element to close on the target without putting any support by fire in the line of sight of the enemy,” said 1st Lt Jaime Alarcon an infantry officer within 1stBattalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. “The system allows us to get effects on the target without exposing any of our warfighters to that target.”

The feedback gathered from Marine’s will be vital for refining the training pipeline and informing the final procurement strategy to field the capability at scale. “This early capability release allows us to learn incrementally. If it’s safe, we put it out there, and Marines help refine the solution,” explained Tyler Hall, a project officer for OPF-L at PM GWS.

The capability release signifies a major step forward in the Marine Corps’ Force Design efforts. It moves the concept of a more lethal, distributed, and agile force from a strategic goal to a tactical reality and ensures the infantry squad remains the most decisive element on the modern battlefield.

By Addi Vander Velde, Office of Public Affairs & Communication

Posted in Drone, Guest Post, USMC | No Comments »