UK eyes lightweight satellite communications for UAVs
The UK is seeking to extend the operational reach of uncrewed aerial vehicles, reflecting growing demand for compact, energy-efficient technology to support beyond-line-of-sight operations.
Pivotal showcases BlackFly eVTOL at SOF Week with eyes on military adoption (video)
Pivotal has demonstrated its lightweight electric VTOL aircraft, BlackFly, live at SOF Week 2025, as the company positions the platform for special operations and wider defence applications.
Ken Karklin, CEO of Pivotal, spoke with Shephard during SOF Week in Tampa, Florida, where a live demonstration of the BlackFly aircraft played out mid-interview - highlighting the platform’s agility and low acoustic footprint as it performed precision manoeuvres behind him.
Originally designed for recreational use, the BlackFly is the world’s first commercially available light eVTOL and has now been flight-tested across a wide range of environments.
Karklin explained that the aircraft’s simplicity of operation, quiet flight profile and low maintenance needs have prompted Pivotal to explore defence sector roles including ISR, personnel mobility, resupply, and autonomous operations in austere environments.
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