Modifications to Firefly to make maritime compatible

The proposed project focuses on the development of a maritime-capable version of the Firefly Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), a Group 3 quadcopter with a hybrid gasoline/electric powertrain offering flight times and ranges up to 10x greater than all-electric drones. The maritime Firefly will address the specific operational needs of naval and marine environments, enabling deployment from ship-based platforms to support a wide range of sensor and payload testing and operations, including hydrographic surveys, mine countermeasures, and underwater vehicle detection. The current Firefly platform has already demonstrated substantial advantages over existing systems, offering comparable payload capacities at a fraction of the size, weight, and cost. This effort will build upon these capabilities, incorporating critical enhancements for maritime operations. Key modifications include compatibility with heavy fuels like JP-5 for shipboard use, advanced sensors for landing on moving ship decks, and features for environmental resilience, such as protection against water ingress and saltwater corrosion. Additional enhancements include flotation devices, deck locking mechanisms, ocean surface following, and BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) capabilities to improve operational versatility. The hybrid powertrain architecture, modified for use with JP-5, will undergo rigorous testing and optimization to ensure long-term reliability, targeting 200-hour time-between-overhaul (TBO) performance. Prototype systems will be validated through operational testing, demonstrating their ability to operate effectively in challenging maritime conditions, including moderate sea states and adverse weather. The maritime-capable Firefly aligns with critical Department of Defense priorities by providing a cost-effective, NDAA-compliant, domestically produced UAS solution for testing and evaluation activities related to programs like PILLS, VIPER, PNGS, COBRA, MARV-EL, and Blue Water ULS-A, strengthening Naval and Marine Corps operational capabilities. It will also serve as a test platform for advanced payloads, including imaging LIDAR and synthetic aperture radar, facilitating technology integration for naval and marine applications. By completing the proposed development and validation efforts, this project will deliver an affordable, high-performance, multi-mission UAS tailored to the demanding needs of maritime operations, while establishing a robust foundation for broader commercial adoption.