Silent Arrow, an innovative American company specializing in autonomous cargo solutions, has been awarded a $1.2 million contract by the United States Air Force to further develop and test its cutting-edge CLS-300 logistics drone. This contract is a milestone for Silent Arrow, marking a significant step in the collaboration with AFWERX, the innovation division of the U.S. Air Force. The project’s objective is to refine a long-range, autonomous cargo transport system capable of navigating and performing under extreme conditions and in contested areas.
Silent Arrow’s CLS-300 is based on the success of its predecessor, the GD-2000, which set new standards in heavy-payload glider capabilities. With a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds and a range of 300 to 500 nautical miles, the CLS-300 represents an innovative leap in autonomous cargo technology, specifically designed for military and humanitarian missions.
The CLS-300 inherits its design philosophy from the GD-2000, which was the first heavy-payload autonomous cargo glider to operate successfully with the U.S. military. The GD-2000 achieved impressive feats, capable of transporting 1,500 pounds of cargo across 35 nautical miles without powered assistance. Silent Arrow’s decision to equip the CLS-300 with a propulsion system is intended to push these boundaries even further, increasing the drone’s range nearly tenfold.
With its ability to operate autonomously in highly challenging environments, the CLS-300 is engineered to meet the demanding conditions of remote military operations, making it a versatile and resilient tool for combat zones. The drone can also be utilized for humanitarian aid, delivering vital supplies to areas that are otherwise inaccessible due to conflict, terrain, or weather.
Unlike its glider predecessor, the CLS-300 includes an advanced propulsion system that significantly expands its range and flexibility. This powered design enables the CLS-300 to cover distances between 300 and 500 nautical miles (approximately 556 to 926 kilometers) and makes it more adaptable to a variety of launch conditions and terrains. According to Silent Arrow, the propulsion technology, combined with its state-of-the-art propeller system, allows the drone to be launched from diverse locations, including military cargo aircraft and naval vessels, or from the ground itself.
The platform’s launch capability from multiple aircraft, such as the Lockheed Martin C-130, Boeing C-17, and Airbus A400M, underscores its adaptability to different mission requirements and supports its deployment in both austere and improved environments. Furthermore, this level of flexibility is critical to fulfilling the U.S. military’s goals for agile and responsive logistics in contested areas.
The development and testing of the CLS-300 fall under the U.S. Air Force’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, both of which focus on promoting partnerships with small and medium-sized businesses to accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies. These programs, particularly AFWERX, have increasingly served as platforms for the U.S. Air Force to engage with the private sector on transformative projects.
The partnership with Silent Arrow leverages the company’s well-established expertise in autonomous delivery systems, as well as its extensive intellectual property portfolio, which includes over 20 patents and multiple Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) world records. Silent Arrow’s CEO, Chip Yates, commented on the project’s importance, highlighting that “this project allows us to provide critical capabilities to both military operations and humanitarian missions, reflecting the values we bring in autonomous delivery technology and innovation.”
The roots of Silent Arrow’s partnership with the U.S. Air Force go back to 2021 when its GD-2000 was initially deployed for testing. In 2022, the GD-2000 was subjected to extensive evaluations, including a foreign deployment test where it successfully delivered equipment beyond its theoretical payload capacity in rugged and contested environments. These tests demonstrated the reliability and robustness of Silent Arrow’s technology, paving the way for the more ambitious CLS-300 project.
The GD-2000’s impressive capabilities, particularly its payload-carrying capacity and gliding efficiency, gained the attention of the U.S. military and underscored the need for an extended-range, powered version. The CLS-300 was conceived as the next evolution, bringing the company closer to its mission of delivering innovative logistics solutions that can overcome obstacles posed by rough terrain and contested airspace.
The introduction of the CLS-300 aligns with several key military logistics objectives, particularly in the realm of distributed operations. The U.S. Air Force has been exploring various technologies to ensure the quick and safe transport of supplies and equipment, especially in high-stakes environments. By enabling aerial resupply without exposing personnel or relying on conventional ground or air transport, the CLS-300 presents significant advantages:
- Safety in Contested Areas: The autonomous capabilities of the CLS-300 allow it to deliver supplies without endangering military personnel in hostile regions. The drone’s self-guided navigation system ensures it can maneuver through difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
- Operational Agility: The ability to launch from multiple locations, including from moving ships or military aircraft, enables the CLS-300 to respond flexibly to changing mission requirements, a vital capability in complex battlefields or emergency response scenarios.
- Stealth and Reduced Detection: Operating autonomously with a powered system allows the CLS-300 to reduce its noise and radar footprint. This feature can be critical for stealth missions or for resupplying forces in areas where minimizing detection is essential.
Silent Arrow’s extensive work in autonomous cargo technology has been widely recognized within both military and aviation circles. The company’s accomplishments include six Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) world records for its innovations in unmanned delivery systems. Silent Arrow has also been a finalist for the Robert J. Collier Trophy, which is awarded for notable achievements in advancing aviation and aerospace technology.
In addition to these accolades, Silent Arrow holds over 20 patents, many of which have contributed to the advanced capabilities of the CLS-300. These patents cover various aspects of autonomous cargo delivery, including navigation, payload stabilization, and propulsion, all of which have positioned Silent Arrow as a leader in the autonomous logistics sector.
According to Yates, Silent Arrow has established an accelerated testing and deployment schedule for the CLS-300. Initial propulsion tests are slated to begin in early 2024, with comprehensive flight testing expected by the second half of the year. The testing phase will validate the drone’s long-range capabilities, maneuverability, and resilience under diverse conditions. Should the tests proceed successfully, the CLS-300 could see field deployment shortly thereafter, marking a pivotal milestone in autonomous cargo technology for the U.S. Air Force.
Yates emphasized the urgency of delivering this technology, stating, “The accelerated timeline is a testament to our commitment to delivering advanced, resilient logistics solutions that meet the urgent needs of both military and humanitarian missions.”
The development of the CLS-300 is more than a technological advancement—it is indicative of a shift in how the U.S. military envisions logistics in contested and austere environments. As autonomous and remotely operated systems become increasingly central to military strategy, systems like the CLS-300 have the potential to reshape how missions are supported on the ground.
