Red Cat Holdings, a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, has received a contract and order for 12 of its FlightWave Edge 130 Blue systems from the Royal Australian Navy.
The contract was secured through Criterion Solutions, an Australian-based distributor of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and information technology solutions.
FlightWave, a provider of VTOL drone, sensor and software solutions was acquired by Red Cat in September 2024. The acquisition brought FlightWave’s flagship drone, the Edge 130 Blue into its family of portable unmanned reconnaissance and precision lethal strike systems.
FlightWave’s size, weight and vertical take-off capabilities make it “ideal “suitable” for maritime operations and littoral environments.
The Edge 130 Blue is a UAS-certified military-grade tricopter for long-range mapping, inspection, surveillance, and reconnaissance needs. Designed specifically for government and military applications, the tricopter, which weighs 1,2 kg, can be assembled and hand-launched in a minute by a single user to capture high-accuracy aerial imagery with medium-range autonomy, according to the company.
“Our mission is to equip warfighters around the globe with cutting-edge sUAS technology. The Edge 130 Blue, with its advanced long-range surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, offers a significant advantage in maritime and other challenging environments,” stated Jeff Thompson , CEO of Red Cat.
“We are excited to expand our partnership with the Australian defense forces through this initial tranche of Edge 130 units. Their investment in small ISR and precision strike drones is vital for enhancing security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”