The U.S. Army has purchased $20 million worth of Kraus Hamdani Aerospace’s solar drones after using a small number of the systems in regions like the Philippines and Guam.
The K1000 ultra long-endurance unmanned aircraft system aims to develop aerial tier network extension for communications, electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, Kraus Hamdani Aerospace said in an Oct. 30 statement.
Fatema Hamdani, CEO and co-founder of Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, said, “Over time, we have matured our technology in line with the requirements of the U.S. Army and continue to align the K1000ULE to meet the needs of the warfighter in a dynamically changing environment.”
K1000ULE Details
The K1000ULE reportedly fits inside a standard case and takes operators about 10 minutes to assemble and launch. The aircraft currently lacks landing gear and uses 3D-printed skids that can be switched out after they can no longer operate.
The aircraft, which features two solar panels on its wings, flew for 75 hours and 53 minutes at Pendleton UAS test range in Oregon, breaking the endurance record for class 2 unmanned aerial systems.
