Advancing Scalable, Autonomous Aerial Systems
Dragoon Technology, established in 2020 and headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, is an aerospace startup specializing in the development of small, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) designed for mass deployment at low cost. The company focuses on creating scalable solutions for various applications, including defense, disaster response, and infrastructure inspection.
Innovative Hybrid Powertrain
Central to Dragoon’s technological advancements is its novel hybrid powertrain, which combines the ease of use of batteries with the superior energy density of liquid fuels. This integration allows for extended flight durations and increased payload capacities, addressing the limitations of traditional battery-powered drones.
Project Artemis Participation
Dragoon is one of four companies selected for Project Artemis, a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) initiative aimed at rapidly developing and testing long-range, low-cost, one-way UAS platforms capable of operating in contested electromagnetic environments.
As part of this project, Dragoon integrates Teledyne FLIR‘s Prism Supervisor and Prism SKR software into its unmanned platform prototypes. These AI-driven tools provide object detection, tracking, real-time autonomous flight control, and mission planning capabilities, enhancing the operational effectiveness of Dragoon’s UAS in complex environments.
Coriolis Platform and Wildfire Management
Beyond defense applications, Dragoon’s Coriolis platform demonstrates versatility in civilian contexts. In a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) effort, the company assessed the capability of its long-endurance, low-cost UAS for wildfire logistics and management. The study explored autonomous behaviors such as long-dwell communications relay, intelligent tracking of personnel and assets, and detection of critical features in fire environments.
Recognition in xTechAutonomy Competition
Dragoon’s commitment to innovation was recognized in the U.S. Army’s xTechAutonomy competition, where it was named a winner for its low-cost, long-range aerial autonomy solutions in denied environments. This accolade underscores the company’s potential to contribute significantly to autonomous platform development for military applications.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
Dragoon collaborates with various industry partners to enhance its technological offerings. Notably, the company received a batch of engine cores from Desert Aircraft, a key supplier based in Tucson, Arizona. This partnership supports Dragoon’s efforts to develop efficient propulsion systems for its UAS platforms.
Conclusion
Dragoon Technology is at the forefront of developing scalable, autonomous aerial systems that address both military and civilian needs. Through innovative powertrain solutions, participation in strategic defense initiatives, and recognition in competitive platforms, the company demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing UAS capabilities for diverse applications.
