Mar 20, 2026
PDW Validates sUAS Capabilities During 9 Mile Test Series
PDW conducted 114 flights at 9 Mile Testing Facility to validate long-range, beyond visual line of sight, autonomous, and software capabilities of its systems
March 2026 – PDW continuously tests the limits of its unmanned systems in real-world environments to understand range, control, and autonomy under operational conditions. As combat robotics continue to dominate modern battlefields, front-line operators depend on unmanned systems that can perform in the most demanding environments. Rigorous testing of these systems prior to deployment ensures they can be relied upon when operational success is on the line.
PDW recently completed a successful comprehensive flight test series conducted at the 9-Mile Training Center in Texas. Over the course of three days of flight operations, a cross-functional PDW team executed 114 flights to validate new platform capabilities across hardware, software, autonomy, and communications systems.
The test series proved critical extended-range capabilities of both the C100 and the AM-FPV. The C100 paired with PDW’s Range Extension Kit and Extended Range Antenna demonstrated secure command and control at distances of up to 20 kilometers. The AM-FPV platform successfully demonstrated 10+ kilometer BVLOS operations using a Doodle Labs mesh network with relay support.
“Range defines who sets the terms of the fight and control from a distance is tactical leverage,” said PDW CEO James Slider. “By extending operational reach without compromising connectivity, PDW ensures operators retaining full authority over mission execution in dynamic environments.”
The campaign also validated the PDW Vision Payload (PVP) and CORE 1.4 software on the C100, ensuring system readiness for emerging operational requirements from the DoW and other customers. The C100 equipped with the PDW Vision Payload (PVP) completed 11 fully autonomous flights without relying on GPS for navigation. By leveraging visual navigation capabilities, the platform maintained stable vehicle control in GPS-denied conditions.
Software is a critical element of system readiness, and CORE 1.4 demonstrated consistent performance throughout the 114-flight campaign, confirming system stability, flight performance improvements, and operational reliability across repeated sorties.
“PDW is committed to supporting U.S. DoW readiness by delivering resilient, long-range, and autonomous unmanned systems to our front-line operators. Our top priority has and will continue to be advancing mission-ready systems designed to operate when and where they are needed most,” Slider concluded.
The 9 Mile test series validated capabilities in BVLOS performance, extended command and control, autonomy in GPS-denied environments, and upgraded software integration. To learn more about PDW’s portfolio of unmanned systems and technology, visit www.pdw.ai.
