US Navy tests new tail

The Flexrotor was also deployed in the region in December 2022 as part of a "Digital Horizon" event to integrate drones and AI into Navy operations.

The advantage of a tail-sitting drone like the Flexrotor is that it only needs a clearing or open deck space as large as its widest dimension. This makes it highly versatile and valuable for scouting the ocean's vastness.

The Flexrotor boasts a cruising speed of 53 mph (85 kph), a top speed of 87 mph (140 kph), and potentially more than 30 hours of continuous operation. It can serve as a scout with daylight and infrared cameras and work as a communications relay node. Long-endurance drones like these allow crews to pilot them in shifts, reducing pilot fatigue without having to land the drone to switch operators.

The US Navy has been working to improve its ability to watch over regional waters by adding unmanned systems and artificial intelligence. In December 2021, a US Navy unmanned task force in the Middle East launched an aerial drone from a US Coast Guard vessel operating in the Arabian Gulf. The launch was part of Digital Horizon, a three-week event focused on integrating new unmanned and AI platforms. Ten of these systems were being used for the first time in the region.

The Aerovel Flexrotor took off and landed vertically aboard the USCGC Emlen Tunnell, showcasing the close collaboration between the Navy, Coast Guard, and industry partners to advance technology integration. The drone can support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions day and night using a daylight or infrared camera to provide a real-time video feed. UAVs like the Flexrotor enable Task Force 59 to enhance a resilient communications network used by unmanned systems to relay video footage, pictures, and other data to command centers ashore and at sea.

As the Navy continues integrating unmanned systems and AI, the Flexrotor represents a significant step forward in expanding the perception of ships and improving scouting on the ocean. The Navy can be more aware of what's happening and respond better to new threats by using drones that can be launched quickly from cleared deck space.