US Army picks Kraus Hamdani K1000ULE electric drone for Program of Record
The US Army has selected the K1000ULE unmanned aircraft system, made by California-based Kraus Hamdani Aerospace (KHA), as part of a major Program of Record, the company announced. The award advances the drone's integration into Army reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition capabilities.
Under the award, KHA will deliver Group 2, fully electric, multi-mission aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability, according to the company. Troops can therefore launch and recover the aircraft without a runway.
An unmanned aircraft system with the K1000ULE, made by Kraus Hamdani Aerospace. Photo: Interesting Engineering
“We engineered the K1000ULE around a fundamental operational need, keeping critical capabilities airborne for longer while reducing the burden on the forces using them.”
Specifications as stated
Interesting Engineering, citing the company, reported that a team of three people can operate the system in the field. The outlet gave the aircraft's endurance as up to 24 hours on one charge, with a range of 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers), a cruising speed of 46 mph and a service ceiling of 20,000 feet.
The airframe is 9.8 feet (3 meters) long with a 16.4-foot (5-meter) wingspan, and its maximum takeoff weight is 42.5 pounds (19.3 kilograms), the outlet reported. It uses artificial intelligence for autonomous flight and can operate beyond the operator's line of sight. Its open architecture lets sensors and payloads be updated as needs change.
Earlier defense milestones
KHA said the selection builds on an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract from US Air Forces Central earlier this year. The K1000ULE is also on the Defense Innovation Unit's Blue UAS Cleared and Select Lists and is available through the Army's acquisition marketplace, the company said.
KHA said soldiers' direct feedback, gathered during military exercises and deployments over several years, helped shape the K1000ULE's design. The company describes its eleven-year effort as aimed at delivering persistent airborne capabilities.
“Coming on the heels of Veterans Day, this announcement carries special meaning for our team. Many of our team are veterans, and their service, experience, and commitment help shape the systems we deliver to those serving today.”
The sources did not give the contract's value or the number of aircraft the Army will receive.
