Red Cat acquired FlightWave in September 2024. Credit: MacroEcon/Shutterstock.

The Royal Australian Navy has contracted Red Cat Holdings for the supply of 12 of its FlightWave Edge 130 Blue military-grade tri copters. 

This order was facilitated through Criterion Solutions. 

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Drone technology company Red Cat, which specialises in integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, acquired FlightWave in September 2024.  

This acquisition expanded Red Cat’s portfolio with the Edge 130 Blue, a drone designed for reconnaissance and precision strike missions, which boasts low-cost and portability. 

The FlightWave Edge 130 Blue is a UAS-certified military-grade tri copter weighing 1,200g with a more than 60-minute flight time.  

Its vertical take-off capability, with a swift one-minute assembly and hand-launch process, allows for efficient deployment in maritime and littoral environments.  

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It can capture high-accuracy aerial imagery with long-range autonomy. 

Red Cat CEO Jeff Thompson said: “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. 

“We are excited to expand our partnership with the Australian defence 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.” 

Earlier in October 2024, Red Cat unveiled its ARACHNID family at the AUSA 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington DC. 

The company’s future product roadmap includes the development of TRICHON, which aims to build upon the capabilities of the FlightWave Edge 130 Blue. 

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