The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has announced the selection of six companies to advance the development of an experimental, lightweight drone capable of vertical takeoff and landing from ships. This initiative, known as the Advanced Aircraft Infrastructure-Less Launch and Recovery (ANCILLARY) program, aims to create drones that can operate without the need for large mechanical launchers or landing equipment.
The chosen firms include major defense contractors AeroVironment, Griffon Aerospace, Karem Aircraft, Method Aeronautics, Northrop Grumman, and Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin. These companies will now focus on refining their ANCILLARY designs, aiming to enhance the operational capabilities of small vertical takeoff and landing uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
DARPA envisions ANCILLARY leading to drones that can be deployed and retrieved from Navy ships, providing significant advantages in carrying cargo, conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, and tracking and targeting enemies beyond a ship’s line of sight. These drones must be capable of taking off and landing like helicopters on ship decks or rough surfaces in various weather conditions and perform long-range missions akin to winged aircraft.
“The goal of ANCILLARY is to increase small vertical takeoff-and-landing UAS capabilities by a factor of three over the current state-of-the-art flying today,” said DARPA program manager Steve Komadina. He emphasized the need for innovative solutions to enhance payload weight, range, and endurance while eliminating the requirement for special infrastructure. The primary users of this technology would be the Navy and Marine Corps, though it could also benefit the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and U.S. Special Operations Command.
In June 2023, DARPA initially selected nine companies to present their concepts for ANCILLARY, narrowing the list to six for further development. These companies will enter a 10-month phase to mitigate risks and conduct hover tests on their proposed aircraft elements. Following this phase, they will submit proposals for the next phase, which involves fabrication and flight testing. Formal flight tests of the overall designs are expected to commence in early 2026.
Christopher Harris, the program manager for Northrop Grumman‘s ANCILLARY effort, highlighted the integration of autonomous capabilities, vertical takeoff and landing, and long-endurance aircraft design. Northrop‘s drone will feature a dual-rotor system for takeoff and landing, supplemented by a propeller for forward flight, capable of carrying 60-pound payloads over a 100-nautical-mile range for up to 20 hours.
Sikorsky‘s design, currently undergoing flight tests, is a “rotor blown wing” that transitions from vertical to horizontal flight, promising reduced drag and improved efficiency. Sikorsky plans to develop a 300-pound hybrid-electric version if selected, capable of carrying a 60-pound ISR payload using Lockheed‘s autonomous MATRIX technology.
Method Aeronautics, in collaboration with Sierra Nevada Corp. and Bechamo, is also progressing with a novel VTOL design aimed at enhancing the use of UAS by U.S. forces. Method emphasizes the critical nature of this technology for wider VTOL UAS deployment.
Statements from AeroVironment, Griffon Aerospace, and Karem Aircraft were not immediately available.
The ANCILLARY program represents a significant leap forward in drone technology, promising enhanced operational flexibility and capabilities for U.S. military forces.
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