US defence start-up XDOWN says its STUD, a small strike and reconnaissance aircraft that a soldier throws into the air, has passed a strike demonstration, after more than 500 hours of flight in development. Chief executive Alexander Balan told Defence Blog the test checked the aircraft, its launch, flight controls and strike capability as one system.
The company says eight STUDs fit in one rucksack and that it has also built BLOOPER, a portable launcher that fires the drone from uncrewed ground and surface vehicles, ground positions and buildings. Balan said more tests and military evaluations are needed before the drone can be fielded.
XDOWN is aiming for wider production from 2027, including in Eastern Europe, depending on financing, contracts and approvals, and is opening a seed investment round, Balan said.
Also reported by Interesting Engineering
Background
XDOWN
Defence start-up
A US defence start-up that makes the STUD, a hand-launched strike and reconnaissance drone.
STUD
Hand-launched strike drone
A compact, hand-launched tactical aircraft for strike and reconnaissance by individual soldiers.
