PDW continuously pushes its unmanned systems in real-world environments to validate range, control, and autonomy under operational conditions. With combat robotics dominating modern battlefields, front-line operators depend on platforms that perform in demanding environments—and rigorous testing ensures reliability when mission success is on the line.
PDW recently completed a comprehensive flight test series at the 9-Mile Training Center in Texas. Over three days, a cross-functional team executed 114 flights to validate new capabilities across hardware, software, autonomy, and communications systems.
The test series proved critical extended-range capabilities for both the C100 and AM-FPV. The C100, paired with PDW’s Range Extension Kit and Extended Range Antenna, demonstrated secure command and control at distances up to 20 kilometers. The AM-FPV platform successfully conducted 10+ kilometer BVLOS operations using a Doodle Labs mesh network with relay support.
“Range defines who sets the terms of the fight, and control from a distance is tactical leverage,” said PDW CEO James Slider. “By extending operational reach without compromising connectivity, PDW ensures operators retain full authority over mission execution in dynamic environments.”
The campaign also validated the PDW Vision Payload (PVP) and CORE 1.4 software on the C100, ensuring system readiness for emerging operational requirements. The C100 equipped with PVP completed 11 fully autonomous flights without GPS, maintaining stable vehicle control in GPS-denied conditions through visual navigation capabilities.
Software proved critical to system readiness, with CORE 1.4 demonstrating consistent performance across all 114 flights—confirming system stability, flight performance improvements, and operational reliability across repeated sorties.
“PDW is committed to supporting U.S. DoW readiness by delivering resilient, long-range, and autonomous unmanned systems to our front-line operators,” Slider concluded. “Our top priority has and will continue to be advancing mission-ready systems designed to operate when and where they are needed most.”
The 9 Mile test series validated capabilities in BVLOS performance, extended command and control, autonomy in GPS-denied environments, and upgraded software integration.
