Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT), a drone know-how firm integrating robotic {hardware} and software program for navy, authorities and business operations, introduced August 22 that the military-grade Teal 2 had obtained Remote ID certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The information was carefully adopted on August 23 by an announcement that the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) had doubled its order for Teal 2, ordering a further 172 items plus spare elements and coaching. The DLA order now totals over $5 million.
The Teal 2 is a US-manufactured, quick vary reconnaissance (SRR) drone. With the motto “Dominate the Night™” they’re specifically designed for tactical work even in darkness: excellent for navy, regulation enforcement, firefighter, and wildlife administration purposes.
Teal 2 and Remote ID
All operators within the US should adjust to the Remote ID rule as of September 16, 2023. Remote ID permits UAS in flight to offer identification and placement info that different events – equivalent to regulation enforcement – can obtain by way of a broadcast sign. This helps safety businesses determine the operators of rogue drones – and perceive which drones are working legitimately within the area. For a tactical drone like Teal 2, which can be deployed in emergency conditions, Remote ID is a crucial software for integration into first responder missions.
Red Cat’s built-in Remote ID system goes above and past the know-how being utilized in competing drones. It sits contained in the Teal 2 automobile, broadcasting knowledge from the flight management system about as soon as per second to make sure a excessive degree of accuracy. The use of Bluetooth 5 permits the sign to be transmitted over an extended distance — so far as a mile — considerably outpacing the vary of different techniques available on the market.
“I think this really speaks to who we are at Red Cat and what our values are,” mentioned Brendan Stewart, vice chairman of regulatory affairs at Red Cat. “We view ourselves as an aircraft manufacturer, as opposed to a consumer electronics manufacturer building something that flies. What sets us apart is our ability to look into the future, figure out what the FAA’s goals are in implementing a particular regulation, and then build technology that allows us to not only meet the regulation today, but sets our customers up for long-term success in a changing regulatory environment.”
Red Cat just lately examined its Remote ID integration in New York with NUAIR performing because the unbiased third-party validator, utilizing ASTM International customary F3586-22 for the technique of compliance testing. Working alongside people from the standardization committee who helped write the rules for Remote ID, NUAIR personnel additionally supplied mission commander, visible observers, airworthiness verify and take a look at card formulation.
“Remote ID is another great step forward to safely integrate drones into the national airspace and move the commercial drone industry forward,” mentioned NUAIR CEO Ken Stewart. “NUAIR has conducted multiple validations for other ASTM Standards including sUAS parachute recovery systems and we are happy to see Red Cat receive their certification following our successful validation of their Remote ID solution.”
All Teal 2 techniques bought for operation inside the U.S. will likely be manufactured with Remote ID included. Red Cat can also be making a pathway for homeowners of beforehand manufactured Teal 2s to have Remote ID modules put in on their items to adjust to FAA rules.
“We’ve put a lot of effort, a lot of resources and a lot of capital into this to make sure that our customers won’t have a service interruption,” mentioned Brendan Stewart. “For us at Red Cat, standing behind the quality of our products means ensuring that they’ll remain operational and compliant with regulations long into the future.”
New Order of Teal 2 Drones
Teal will ship a further 172 items of the Teal 2 drone plus spare elements and coaching to the DLA. Earlier this month, Red Cat introduced an preliminary order from the DLA for 172 items, additionally totaling $2.6 million. Combined, the 2 orders now complete $5.2 million.
Both orders had been requested by U.S. Air Force Security Forces, whose function is to defend Air Force bases and installations.
“The Air Force needs to secure its airfields and bases 24/7, and the Teal 2 offers the highest-resolution night vision in its class,” mentioned Red Cat CEO Jeff Thompson. “We’re honored that the Air Force has now doubled its order, to more than $5 million.”
The procurements had been sourced by world operations assist firm Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC (NOBLE) as a part of the DLA’s Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistics Support (SOE TLS) Program.
NOBLE is a DLA-designated supplier for the SOE TLS Program. This 10-year program, capped at $33 billion, covers the supply of logistics assist to federal businesses, navy bases and different DLA prospects worldwide, serving to them meet their SOE necessities.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, knowledgeable drone companies market, and a fascinated observer of the rising drone trade and the regulatory setting for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles centered on the business drone area and is a global speaker and acknowledged determine within the trade. Miriam has a level from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of expertise in excessive tech gross sales and advertising and marketing for brand new applied sciences.
For drone trade consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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