PteroDynamics and AeroVironment (AV) brought a cutting-edge electronic warfare (EW) system to the edge of the battlespace during the US Navy’s Silent Swarm 25 exercise.
The demonstration, hosted by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, showcased AV’s EW sensors aboard PteroDynamics’ P4 Transwing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone.
The platform completed multiple scenarios — observing, detecting, and engaging threats — delivering actionable intelligence for littoral surveillance missions.
Operating from confined launch and recovery zones along Lake Huron’s shoreline, the drone highlighted expeditionary capabilities, with performance unaffected by wind direction.
Its modular architecture also allowed the EW payload to be integrated and flight-tested in a single day.
“We are excited to have worked closely with AV to equip the Transwing with these innovative EW capabilities.” said Tim Whitehand, PetroDynamics vice president of engineering.
“The Transwing’s compact footprint, rapid and disturbance-resilient transition, and highly efficient wing-borne flight enable operations from confined or remote locations without runways, making it an ideal platform for maritime littoral operations.”
P4 Transwing in Action
The VTOL drone weighs 90 pounds (41 kilograms) at maximum takeoff and can carry up to 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) of payload.
Its folding-wing design allows fast transitions quickly between vertical and horizontal flight while maintaining stability in gusts.
Powered by an electric drivetrain, the drone cruises at 60 knots (111 kilometers/69 miles per hour) and can dash up to 100 knots (185 kilometers/115 miles per hour).
Its compact footprint of 6.9 by 4.2 feet (2.1 by 1.3 meters) enables operations from constrained launch sites.
