R. Bousfield
Republic Aviation, Oregon, United States
Keywords: Aerospace, AI/ML, sigint, Modular, EW
The ThunderDrone is a modular, Vertical-Take-Off-and-Land (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) which will conduct low-altitude autonomous multi-spectrum signal intelligence (SIGINT), while providing warfighters access to a secure communications network, like a mobile router+server node. Different mission modules can be attached to the airframe to increase its capabilities. These modules can carry up to 2200lbs of ordinance, cargo or personnel, or additional fuel to increase mission time. Planned modules include CAS, MEDEVAC, and more. The large size and VTOL design allow the ThunderDrone to operate autonomously within Contested Areas for a week, while staying close to Warfighters. With plenty of power for mobility and advanced Machine Learning programs, this Unmanned System will dominate low-altitude electronic warfare, while providing cross-discipline functionality.