The Pentagon has purchased a batch of compact tactical drones with AI

The USA signed a contract with the private company Performance Drone Works (PDW) for the development of a new small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) S-100, which should become a revolutionary solution for reconnaissance and tactical operations. These drones will be used by military units of the Central, European and Indo-Pacific Command.

The S-100 is part of a major Pentagon contract, under which PDW and Anduril Industries are developing the latest models of UAVs (the S-100 and Ghost X). The main purpose of these devices is to meet the requirements for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft. The S-100 UAV is distinguished by its low weight (10 kg) and the ability to carry a payload of up to 4.5 kg, including equipment for combat missions or humanitarian needs.

One of the key advantages of the S-100 is its advanced autonomy and ability to integrate with artificial intelligence (AI). As stated on the official PDW website, “The S-100 combines record speed and mobility with autonomous software and AI functions, creating a versatile air support platform”. The UAV operates silently, is equipped with collision avoidance, stabilization and rapid preparation for launch systems, which takes only a few minutes.

The S-100 demonstrates high adaptability to extreme conditions: the operating temperature range is from -20 to 57°C, and is also protected from water and dust. It has a flight range of 10 km, a maximum altitude of 3600 m, a speed of 65 km/h and an autonomy of up to 74 minutes on a single battery charge. When folded, the device is convenient for transportation by one soldier.

The number of S-100s planned to be delivered to the US military remains undisclosed, but the project envisages its large-scale implementation. The development of such an innovative drone reflects the desire to create effective autonomous systems to support combat operations, capable of reducing the burden on the military and increasing the effectiveness of missions.