UAV & Drones
Piasecki Aircraft Acquires Kargo UAV Program to Expand Autonomous Cargo Fleet
Piasecki Aircraft acquires Kaman’s Kargo UAV program to enhance autonomous cargo capabilities and develop larger Kargo II by 2027.
Piasecki Aircraft’s Strategic Acquisition and Enhancement of the Kargo UAV Program: Reshaping Autonomous Cargo Aviation
The autonomous cargo aircraft sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological innovation and increasing demand across both military and commercial markets. One of the most significant recent developments in this space is Piasecki Aircraft Corporation’s acquisition of Kaman Air Vehicles’ Kargo UAV program in April 2025. This move not only consolidates two legacies of American aerospace engineering but also sets the stage for the development of a new, larger-capacity variant, Kargo II, expected to enter the market by late 2027. As the global autonomous cargo aircraft market is projected to grow from USD 1.6 billion in 2024 to USD 19.6 billion by 2034, Piasecki’s strategic initiative is both timely and consequential.
The original Kargo UAV, developed by Kaman, is a medium-lift, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle capable of carrying 800 pounds of cargo over 523 nautical miles. It has already been tested by the U.S. Marine Corps and Army, proving its value in autonomous logistics. With the acquisition, Piasecki gains not only the technology and intellectual property but also the operational team and established partnerships, notably with Near Earth Autonomy. The company’s Heliplex facility in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, will now serve as the center for further development and production, positioning Piasecki at the forefront of the evolving unmanned logistics landscape.
This article examines the historical context, technical specifications, market applications, financial dynamics, and future development plans associated with Piasecki’s acquisition and upgrade of the Kargo UAV program, providing a comprehensive overview of its significance in the broader context of autonomous cargo aviation.
Historical Context and Corporate Background
The roots of Piasecki Aircraft Corporation date back to 1940, when Frank Piasecki and Harold Venzie established the P-V Engineering Forum. This early venture led to the development of the PV-2, the third helicopter ever flown in the United States, and later to the iconic tandem rotor “flying banana” HRP-1. After a corporate split in 1956, Frank Piasecki formed the current Piasecki Aircraft Corporation, focusing on advanced rotorcraft and compound helicopter technologies. The original company, after several transitions, became part of Boeing Vertol, a lineage that underscores Piasecki’s enduring influence on rotorcraft design and innovation.
Kaman Corporation, on the other hand, built its reputation on unmanned helicopter systems such as the K-MAX, which delivered 4.5 million pounds of cargo for the U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan. This experience laid the groundwork for the Kargo UAV program, launched around 2021–2022 to address the need for more versatile and deployable unmanned cargo solutions. Kaman’s strategic decision to divest the Kargo program reflects a broader industry trend toward specialization and resource optimization, with President and CEO Ross Sealfon noting that the sale allows the technology “to find a home where it can thrive.”
The acquisition thus represents a convergence of two established aerospace innovators, each bringing decades of expertise to the table. Piasecki’s recent focus on hydrogen fuel cell propulsion and advanced VTOL technologies further positions it to lead the next generation of unmanned cargo aircraft.
The Kargo UAV Acquisition: Strategic Integration and Technical Assets
Piasecki’s acquisition of the Kargo UAV program is comprehensive, including the transfer of all intellectual property, two full-scale prototypes, and the core development team. This move also secures an ongoing partnership with Near Earth Autonomy, whose advanced flight control systems underpin the Kargo UAV’s autonomous capabilities. The relocation of R&D activities to Piasecki’s Heliplex facility in Pennsylvania consolidates resources and accelerates the path from prototype to production, with the company targeting an 18-month timeline to begin manufacturing, pending capital availability.
The Kargo UAV has already undergone autonomous flight testing with the U.S. Marine Corps and Army, validating its performance in real-world scenarios. Its autonomy suite, provided by Near Earth Autonomy, includes obstacle avoidance, precision landing, and GPS-denied navigation, all of which are critical for operations in contested or remote environments. According to John Piasecki, CEO, the acquisition aligns with the company’s broader strategy to build a family of autonomous cargo solutions, leveraging their VTOL expertise and industry partnerships to accelerate commercialization.
The partnership with Near Earth Autonomy is particularly valuable, given the longstanding collaboration between the two organizations. Their joint work dates back to Carnegie Mellon University and includes the world’s first fully autonomous man-rated helicopter demonstration in 2010. This continuity ensures that the Kargo UAV will benefit from proven autonomy technologies and ongoing innovation.
“Kaman’s Kargo UAV program has already achieved significant milestones. With our VTOL expertise, world-class Heliplex, and deep industry partnerships, we are positioned to accelerate Kargo’s transition from prototype to production.” — John Piasecki, CEO
Technical Specifications and Operational Capabilities
The Kargo UAV is engineered for flexibility and rapid deployment. Measuring 19.3 feet in length and 7.3 feet in width when stowed, it can be transported in a standard ISO shipping container. Once deployed, its four two-bladed rotors extend the aircraft to 24.4 feet in both length and width, enabling it to handle substantial payloads. The aircraft is powered by a 300-horsepower Rolls-Royce RR300 gas turbine engine, providing a maximum speed of 121 knots and operational altitudes above 10,000 feet.
Payload capacity is a key differentiator, with the Kargo UAV able to carry up to 800 pounds either internally or as an external sling load. Its range varies according to payload, with a maximum of 523 nautical miles unladen and 143 nautical miles when carrying a 600-pound load. The system’s autonomous flight suite allows for GPS-denied navigation, dynamic obstacle avoidance, and precision landing, all managed through Near Earth Autonomy’s Peregrine system. This enables safe, reliable operations in environments where traditional navigation aids may be compromised.
Operational efficiency is further enhanced by the UAV’s rapid deployment capabilities. Two personnel can prepare the system for flight in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for agile logistics in both military and commercial contexts. The modular design allows for quick adaptation to various mission profiles, from internal cargo transport to external sling loads for oversized equipment.
“We’ve been working with Near Earth Autonomy since they were within Carnegie Mellon University. We did the world’s first fully autonomous man-rated helicopter demonstration back in 2010 with the key people that are part of that company.” — John Piasecki, CEO
Market Applications and Industry Dynamics
The Kargo UAV is designed to address the growing need for agile, autonomous logistics in both defense and commercial sectors. In military applications, it supports “agile logistics” concepts, enabling rapid resupply in contested environments where traditional supply lines are vulnerable. The U.S. Marine Corps’ MARV-EL program has already awarded a $12 million contract for system development and testing, underscoring the platform’s relevance for expeditionary logistics. The UAV’s ability to operate autonomously and its compact deployment profile make it particularly valuable for distributed military operations.
Commercially, the Kargo UAV has attracted interest from sectors such as oil and gas, mining, and emergency response. The 2023 partnership with PHI Aviation, which includes a non-binding order for 50 aircraft, highlights its potential in supporting offshore energy operations. The UAV’s ability to deliver critical supplies to remote or inaccessible locations, especially when helicopters are unavailable or conditions are unsafe, offers significant operational advantages. Additional applications include medical supply transport, search and rescue support, and humanitarian aid delivery.
The broader market context is highly favorable. The global autonomous cargo aircraft market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 27.8% through 2034, with the VTOL segment alone expected to generate $8 billion by that year. The commercial rotary-wing autonomous aircraft market holds nearly 58% of the overall market share, driven by the need for efficient, flexible logistics solutions. U.S. Department of Defense spending on uncrewed vehicles reached $10.95 billion in FY2024, reflecting strong governmental support for autonomous systems.
“The Kargo UAV is designed to supplement, not replace, existing manned rotorcraft operations, performing duties that are either unsafe or uneconomical for traditional helicopters.” — PHI Aviation representative
Advanced Technologies and Partnership Ecosystems
The Kargo UAV’s technological foundation combines proven aerospace systems with next-generation autonomy. Near Earth Autonomy’s Peregrine suite enables real-time 3D environmental mapping, dynamic obstacle avoidance, and autonomous landing zone selection, even in GPS-denied conditions. The aircraft’s composite shell and lightweight aluminum structure optimize strength-to-weight ratio, while the modular payload system allows for both internal pod and external sling configurations.
The choice of a Rolls-Royce RR300 turbine engine ensures operational reliability and compatibility with standard jet fuel, prioritizing readiness and logistical simplicity. Communication and data systems enable comprehensive mission monitoring and control, supporting both autonomous and remotely supervised operations. The onboard solid-state storage facilitates detailed post-mission analysis and supports regulatory compliance efforts.
Piasecki’s ongoing collaboration with Near Earth Autonomy and other partners ensures continuous technological advancement. The company is also exploring hydrogen fuel cell integration for future platforms, building on its experience with the PA-890 helicopter and partnerships with firms like ZeroAvia. These efforts position Piasecki to adapt to emerging trends in electrification and sustainable aviation.
Future Development and Market Outlook
Looking ahead, Piasecki plans to expand the Kargo UAV family with the development of Kargo II, a larger-capacity variant slated for commercial release by late 2027. While specific payload figures have not been publicly disclosed, the focus is on addressing market demand for greater lift capabilities in both military and commercial applications. The company’s “family of systems” approach enables scalability and adaptability, leveraging common technologies across multiple platforms to serve diverse customer needs.
Production planning is already underway, with Piasecki projecting demand for over 300 aircraft across various sectors. The company’s Heliplex facility provides the infrastructure needed for full-scale manufacturing, and the 18-month timeline to production reflects both the maturity of the current design and the urgency of market demand. Regulatory engagement with the FAA is ongoing, with the goal of achieving certification for autonomous beyond-visual-line-of-sight cargo operations, a key enabler for broader commercial adoption.
Conclusion
Piasecki Aircraft Corporation’s acquisition and planned enhancement of the Kargo UAV program marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of autonomous cargo aviation. By integrating Kaman’s proven technology and development team with its own manufacturing expertise and industry partnerships, Piasecki is well-positioned to capitalize on the explosive growth projected for the autonomous cargo market. The Kargo UAV’s validated performance, robust technical foundation, and adaptability across military and commercial domains provide a strong platform for future innovation and market leadership.
As the company moves toward production and the development of Kargo II, it will play a central role in shaping the future of unmanned logistics. The combination of advanced autonomy, proven propulsion systems, and scalable manufacturing capabilities positions Piasecki to meet the evolving needs of defense and industry customers alike. The ongoing collaboration with Near Earth Autonomy and exploration of sustainable propulsion technologies further underscore its commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
FAQ
What is the Kargo UAV’s payload capacity and range?
The Kargo UAV can carry up to 800 pounds of cargo and has a maximum range of 523 nautical miles without payload. When carrying a 600-pound load, its range is approximately 143 nautical miles.
Who are the primary customers for the Kargo UAV?
The primary customers include the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and commercial partners such as PHI Aviation, which serves the oil and gas sector. The UAV is also targeted for use in mining, emergency response, and humanitarian aid.
What are Piasecki’s future plans for the Kargo UAV program?
Piasecki plans to develop a larger-capacity variant, Kargo II, with commercial availability targeted for late 2027. The company is also pursuing regulatory certification and exploring advanced propulsion technologies for future platforms.
How does the Kargo UAV operate autonomously?
The UAV uses Near Earth Autonomy’s Peregrine system, which enables GPS-denied navigation, obstacle avoidance, and autonomous landing through real-time 3D environmental sensing and advanced flight control algorithms.
Sources:
Piasecki Aircraft,
Wikipedia – Piasecki Aircraft,
Kaman
Photo Credit: Piasecki Aircraft
UAV & Drones
Volatus Aerospace Acquires AISPECO in $10.5M Deal
Volatus Aerospace acquires Lithuanian sensor maker AISPECO for $10.5M, integrating drone sensors and expanding into EU and NATO markets.
Canadian drone and aerial intelligence operator Volatus Aerospace Inc. has agreed to acquire Lithuanian sensor manufacturer AISPECO Uab in a $10.5 million deal that vertically integrates its aircraft operations with proprietary mission software and hardware.
Announced in a press release on October 14, 2026, the acquisition allows Mirabel-based Volatus to own the sensor layer of its aerial intelligence missions. The move reduces reliance on third-party equipment while establishing a strategic foothold in the European Union and NATO markets.
Financial terms and performance milestones
The acquisition agreement structures the $10.5 million base consideration as a mix of cash and equity. Volatus will pay $3.0 million in cash and issue $7.5 million in common shares. The equity portion is priced at the 20-day volume-weighted average trading price on the Toronto Stock Exchange as of October 12, 2026.
An additional $2.5 million in potential consideration is tied to an earnout structure. AISPECO will be evaluated against specific financial, commercial, and product-development milestones between October 2026 and October 2029. Volatus retains the option to pay this earnout in either cash or equity.
AISPECO generated approximately C$5.72 million in revenue during fiscal 2025. Following the integration, the subsidiary is expected to reach C$10 million in revenue for fiscal 2027, with a projected adjusted EBITDA margin of 8 to 12 percent on a standalone basis.
Technology integration and European expansion
AISPECO develops modular airborne sensor systems and flight-management software. The company’s product portfolio includes HELIUX pods, the FOCUS AI-guided gimbal, CORE electronics, and ROBINCOP software. These systems are designed to support multiple sensor types through a single platform, facilitating terrain mapping, utility inspections, pipeline surveillance, forestry, and border monitoring.
To date, AISPECO has sold approximately 50 complete systems globally. The technology is certified for installation on 20 different aircraft types, and the company currently has two European patent applications pending.
Volatus Aerospace Chief Executive Officer Glen Lynch stated that AISPECO has built commercially deployed technology and engineering capabilities that would take years to replicate.
“By combining our aircraft operations with proprietary sensors and mission software, we can create new opportunities across commercial, infrastructure and defence markets,” Lynch said.
Volatus manufacturing growth and AISPECO origins
Volatus Aerospace, which trades publicly on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: FLT), has been steadily expanding its physical footprint and manufacturing capabilities. The company recently opened a new drone manufacturing facility in Mirabel, Quebec, to scale its domestic production.
AISPECO was founded in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 2020. The company initially operated as an aerial survey service provider before pivoting to develop and manufacture its own geospatial data collection platforms. The acquisition provides Volatus with a direct operational presence in Lithuania, a NATO member state, which the company intends to leverage for expansion into European defence and security sectors.
AirPro News analysis
We view this acquisition as a textbook vertical integration strategy within the aerial intelligence sector. By bringing sensor manufacturing and mission software in-house, Volatus captures the margin previously lost to third-party payload vendors. The hardware and software layer is often the most lucrative component of geospatial data collection, and owning the proprietary technology allows Volatus to offer a closed-loop service to infrastructure and defence clients.
Furthermore, acquiring a Lithuanian firm provides Volatus with direct access to European defence procurement networks. At a time when NATO members are rapidly scaling up their aerial surveillance and uncrewed capabilities, having a subsidiary based in a Baltic state positions Volatus to compete for regional security contracts that might otherwise be inaccessible to a purely North American operator.
Photo Credit: Volatus Aerospace Inc.
UAV & Drones
HyLight Raises 13 Million Euros to Scale Hydrogen Airship Fleet
French startup HyLight secures €13M Series A to expand its autonomous hydrogen airship fleet for infrastructure inspection.
French aerospace startup HyLight has secured €13 million in Series A funding to expand its fleet of autonomous, Hydrogen-powered airships designed for zero-emission critical infrastructure inspection. The investment will enable the Le Plessis-Pâté-based company to scale its operations from four to 15 active aircraft by 2027, targeting new markets across Europe.
The funding round, reported by Tech Funding News and EU-Startups on October 12, 2026, was backed by a consortium of investors including Rubio Impact Ventures, DRW, Teampact Ventures, Y Combinator, and Ring Capital. The capital injection aims to position HyLight’s 12-meter airships as a direct, decarbonized alternative to traditional Helicopters inspections for power lines, railways, and pipelines.
Scaling the HyLighter fleet
The company’s flagship aircraft, the HyLighter, is a 12-meter autonomous airship that utilizes helium for passive lift and a hydrogen fuel cell to power its electric motors. According to EU-Startups, the aircraft is designed to operate at a typical altitude of 25 meters, offering a target operational range of 350 kilometers and a maximum flight time of 10 hours per mission.
The airship features a 10-kilogram payload capacity dedicated to inspection equipment. This includes LiDAR sensors capable of capturing more than 1,000 points per square meter and high-resolution cameras delivering 1 millimeter per pixel resolution. The platform produces zero direct emissions and operates with minimal noise footprint compared to rotary-wing alternatives.
“Most power lines are still inspected by helicopter, just as they were fifty years ago. Our HyLighters already do the same job, with greater precision and less risk. This funding takes us from four aircraft to a fleet,” said Martin Bocken, co-founder and CEO of HyLight.
Regulatory approval and market demand
HyLight has already secured critical regulatory authorizations to conduct its missions. The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have authorized the HyLighter to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) over critical infrastructure in rural, suburban, and urban environments.
The company has accumulated more than 750 flight hours, inspecting thousands of kilometers of infrastructure across Europe. Current operational clients include major European infrastructure and utility operators such as Enedis, NaTran, Téréga, SNCF Réseau, and VINCI.
Helmer Schukken, managing partner at Rubio Impact Ventures, noted that traditional helicopter inspections remain expensive, polluting, and increasingly constrained by an aging workforce. He described HyLight’s platform as a clean, scalable alternative capable of operating reliably over densely populated areas while delivering significant cost savings for infrastructure operators.
The push for decarbonized infrastructure inspection
The demand for alternative aerial inspection platforms is driven by both environmental targets and the sheer scale of global infrastructure. According to EU-Startups, there are approximately 80 million kilometers of linear infrastructure worldwide requiring regular inspection. Traditional helicopters, which dominate this sector, emit up to 1 metric ton of CO2 equivalent per flight hour.
While operators have explored other technologies, existing alternatives present operational limitations. Battery-powered drones lack the endurance required for long-distance linear inspections, satellite imagery does not provide sufficient resolution for detailed component analysis, and ground-based sensors offer only localized data collection.
HyLight, founded in the early 2020s by Martin Bocken and Théo Hoenen, previously raised a €3.7 million seed round in April 2024. With the new Series A capital, the Y Combinator alumnus has raised approximately €16.7 million to date. The company plans to use the funds to expand its operational footprint into Germany and the Netherlands by 2027.
AirPro News analysis
We view HyLight’s successful Series A as a strong indicator of shifting priorities in the utility aviation market. Traditional helicopter operators face mounting pressure from both environmental regulations and rising operational costs. By securing EASA and DGAC approval for BVLOS flights over populated areas, HyLight has cleared the most significant regulatory hurdle that typically grounds autonomous aerial vehicles. If the company can successfully scale its manufacturing and field operations to 15 aircraft by 2027, it could establish a new standard for linear infrastructure inspection, potentially capturing market share from established rotary-wing operators in Europe before expanding globally.
Photo Credit: HyLight
UAV & Drones
US Coast Guard Orders Four MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAS for $247.8M
The U.S. Coast Guard awarded a $247.8 million contract for four MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAS to expand its maritime surveillance fleet.
The U.S. Coast Guard placed a $247.8 million order with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) for four MQ-9B long-range unmanned aircraft systems to expand its dedicated maritime surveillance fleet. The procurement, finalized on September 25, 2026, and announced on October 9, 2026, includes ground control stations and supporting equipment.
According to the Coast Guard press release, the acquisition leverages an existing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) contract vehicle, accelerating the expansion of a shared Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unmanned aircraft enterprise based in San Angelo, Texas.
Expanding the shared homeland security fleet
The Coast Guard and CBP have a long-standing history of joint unmanned aircraft operations. The agencies began operating the MQ-9A Guardian Long-Range Unmanned Aircraft System (LR-UAS) through a joint program office in Texas following a pilot study initiated in 2008. This joint program was originally designed to provide long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for ground agents on the U.S. Southwest border and was later expanded to provide maritime ISR in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Department of Homeland Security is actively scaling its MQ-9B enterprise to replace and augment these legacy platforms. In March 2026, CBP awarded a $265.5 million contract modification to General Atomics for additional MQ-9B aircraft, spares, and upgrades to support the shared DHS fleet based in San Angelo. The Coast Guard’s new $247.8 million order utilizes CBP’s existing procurement channels to expedite its own dedicated fleet expansion.
Funding for the Coast Guard’s acquisition stems from $266 million previously appropriated to the service’s LR-UAS program specifically to acquire four MQ-9B aircraft and associated equipment.
MQ-9B SeaGuardian maritime capabilities
The newly ordered MQ-9B is the next-generation evolution of the platform operated by the joint program office. The MQ-9B SeaGuardian variant is specifically missionized for maritime environments. The aircraft features a multi-mode maritime surface search radar equipped with an Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) imaging mode, an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver, and high-definition full-motion video sensors.
Designed for extended operations, the aircraft can fly over the horizon via satellite communications for over 30 hours in all weather conditions. The MQ-9B is fully compliant with STANAG-4671, the NATO UAS airworthiness standard, which enables flexible operations in civil airspace alongside crewed aircraft.
Growing international market presence
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian is rapidly becoming a standard for international maritime security and coast guard agencies, highlighting its growing dominance in the medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAS market. The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) selected the MQ-9B for its Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Project, beginning operations in October 2022 from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Hachinohe Air Base. The JCG utilizes the platform for wide-area maritime surveillance, search and rescue, disaster response, and maritime law enforcement.
Beyond maritime security agencies, the MQ-9B platform has been selected by several allied military forces. Current and future operators include the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Qatar, Taiwan, and India.
AirPro News analysis
The Coast Guard’s decision to piggyback on the CBP contract vehicle rather than initiating a standalone procurement highlights a strategic shift within the Department of Homeland Security toward unified, cross-agency aviation assets. By consolidating operations, training, and maintenance in San Angelo, Texas, the agencies reduce redundant infrastructure costs while rapidly scaling their medium-altitude long-endurance capabilities. We view this $247.8 million order as a critical step in standardizing maritime domain awareness tools across federal law enforcement, moving away from fragmented legacy platforms toward a standardized, interoperable MQ-9B enterprise.
Photo Credit: U.S. Coast Guard
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