US Navy tests new tail-sitting drone for confined launch zones

Published on March 27, 2023

The United States Navy tests the Aerovel Flexrotor drone during the International Maritime Exercise 2023 (IMX 2023). The Flexrotor is a drone capable of vertically taking off from ‘confined’ spaces and then flying as a ‘typical fixed-wing plane.’

IMX 2023 was devoted to further testing the US Navy’s integration of artificial intelligence with drones in coordination with multinational and organizational partners. As maritime domain awareness is enhanced through new technologies, the US Navy tests drones like the Flexrotor to ‘scout’ regional waters using onboard cameras and sensors. Its ability to launch rapidly from tight spaces and stay in the air for long periods mitigates the impact of operating it on any one human sailor while maintaining enhanced awareness.

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