US DoD orders WASP aerostat systems
Drone Aviation has received a contract from the US Department of Defense (DoD) for the supply of its Winch Aerostat Small Platform (WASP) tactical aerostat system, it announced on 7 March.
The company will deliver the upgraded second generation WASP platform under the contract. Improved features on this system include day/night video and wireless communication range extension; expanded helium supply storage that supports extended deployment and operations for up to four weeks; redesigned mooring system for enhanced launch and recovery operations; and an upgraded and modular aerial payload interface unit to support interchangeable payloads including advanced ISR/video/SIGINT and re-trans communication systems.
Jay Nussbaum, chairman, Drone Aviation, said: ‘This DoD contract marks the latest milestone for the WASP which continues to demonstrate its unique capabilities and ability to meet evolving mission requirements. Having proven its capabilities through numerous army exercises, the WASP is building a strong reputation for value, both on the battlefield as well in its potential role in national security.
‘With this generation of the WASP, we are moving this company from its development phase into a commercialisation stage focused on aerial products designed for the military and civilian commercial markets.’
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Cummings Aerospace showcases Hellhound loitering munition designed for US Army’s LASSO programme (video)]()
Cummings Aerospace showcases Hellhound loitering munition designed for US Army’s LASSO programme (video)
Cummings Aerospace presented its turbojet-powered Hellhound loitering munition at SOF Week 2025, offering a man-portable solution aligned with the US Army’s LASSO requirements.
-
![SOF Week 2025: PDW unveils attritable FPV drone for SOF operations at scale]()
SOF Week 2025: PDW unveils attritable FPV drone for SOF operations at scale
PDW has revealed its Attritable Multirotor First Person View drone at SOF Week 2025, offering special operations forces a low-cost, rapidly deployable platform for strike and ISR missions, inspired by battlefield lessons from Ukraine.
-
![SOF Week 2025: Teledyne FLIR white paper provides guidance on reusable loitering munitions]()
SOF Week 2025: Teledyne FLIR white paper provides guidance on reusable loitering munitions
Teledyne FLIR is highlighting the emerging requirements for 'recoverable and re-usable' loitering munitions across the contemporary operating environment during this week’s SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida.
-
![SOF Week 2025: Kraken Technology group debuts K3 Scout USV in North America]()
SOF Week 2025: Kraken Technology group debuts K3 Scout USV in North America
High-performance maritime industry player Kraken Technology Group, based in the UK, has used the SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida this week to debut its K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel (USV) to the North American market.
-
![Palladyne AI and Red Cat to demonstrate capabilities for autonomous drone swarms to the US military]()
Palladyne AI and Red Cat to demonstrate capabilities for autonomous drone swarms to the US military
Red Cat and Palladyne AI recently conducted a cross-platform collaborative flight involving three diverse heterogeneous drones.
-
![Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures]()
Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has driven another stage of evolution for drones and the counter measures to defend against them.
