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How televised drone racing gave birth to a new company now making cutting-edge tech for the US military
- Performance Drone Works (PDW), an Alabama-based company, evolved from a televised drone racing league to producing military drones like the C100 designed for easy transport with customizable payloads.
- Founded by Ryan Gury, PDW aims to fill the gap for US suppliers in cutting-edge robotics, expanding from the Drone Racing League.
- PDW's C100 quadcopter is lightweight, tactical, and can carry a 10-pound payload for over 70 minutes at speeds up to 40mph, addressing the need for small, versatile drones for military deployment.
- The company secured over $15 million in C100 contracts with the US Army, highlighting the shift towards affordable drones that can be utilized at the squad level for surveillance, strikes, and more.
- PDW's workforce includes veterans, emphasizing agility in adapting drone technology to complex battlespaces and the evolving nature of warfare seen in conflicts like Ukraine.
- The C100 is entirely US-made, avoiding Chinese parts, reflecting the military's desire for a reliable domestic supply chain to support defense technology advancement.
- PDW's success in drone production has outpaced expectations, with plans to double monthly output, showcasing the growing importance of domestic drone suppliers in the defense industry.
- The integration of US veterans in PDW's leadership and workforce brings crucial insights to designing systems for future warfare scenarios and staying ahead in technological advancements.
- PDW's focus on innovation and collaboration with the Department of Defense underscores the urgency to pivot towards transformational capabilities that align with modern warfare demands.
- As the defense industry witnesses a surge in new companies specializing in drones, artificial intelligence, and autonomous technologies, the emphasis on developing next-gen defense assets is intensifying.
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