wing expand Wins seven-figure U.S. Air Force contract to develop fire detection software for 7-foot packable drone ruggedization.
WingXpand’s unique features are reflected in its name. The wings of what appears to be a fixed-wing drone extend from a form factor small enough to be carried in a backpack to literally seven feet. This design has significant advantages, offering the portability of a quad and the flight endurance of a fixed wing.Now the US Air Force has allowed wing expand The company’s press release says it has a contract “for customization and increased durability of its unique 7-foot backpackable aircraft.”
With the wildfire season fast approaching in North America, government and state agencies are looking for new solutions for fire management. The Air Force has contracted WingXpand to upgrade its aircraft to handle more severe weather conditions and integrate advanced fire detection software. “This remarkable contract highlights WingXpand’s pioneering role in the field of aviation intelligence and WingXpand’s significant contributions to national security and environmental safety,” the release said.
The new aircraft combines size, power and versatility. Compact enough to fit in a backpack, it delivers over two hours of autonomous flight time while carrying two pounds of customizable sensors for data collection. This capability is invaluable in a variety of industries such as public security, agriculture, and inspection, making comprehensive and flexible aerial surveys safer and more effective.
At the heart of the aircraft is a smart computer with edge AI. Edge AI is a cutting-edge technology that enables aircraft to autonomously detect early signs of wildfires. By identifying potential threats early, emergency services can respond faster, saving homes, wildlife and most importantly, human life.
WingXpand CEO and Co-Founder James Barbieri said: Not only have we developed a simple and powerful aircraft, but AI technology also greatly contributes to preventing wildfire losses. We are thrilled to provide such a valuable tool to the Air Force and the United States. “
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Miriam McNabb, editor-in-chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of professional drone services marketplace JobForDrones, is a keen observer of the emerging drone industry and drone regulatory environment. Miriam is an international speaker and industry recognized figure, with over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and he has over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing new technologies.
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