Performance Drone Works C100
The Performance Drone Works (PDW) C100 is a portable multi-mission small UAV, which has been in development since about 2021. It is of foldable quadcopter configuration, with a capacity for modular payloads of up to 4.5 kg (10 lb) weight. For military ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and target tracking, it can be fitted with an EO/IR camera system. Other options include delivery of small cargo, or dropping of small munitions. The C100 AI-enhanced flight control software can automatically hold its position using GPS navigation, and autonomously avoid in-flight collisions. The drone's acoustic signature is reportedly lower than that of other drones of comparable size and performance.
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| Photo: PDW |
| C100 |
In September 2024, the C100 was one of two systems (together with the Anduril Ghost-X) to be selected by the U.S. Army for Tranche 1 of their company-level small UAS requirement. The requirement was for a modular, soldier-portable VTOL MRR (Medium-Range Reconnaissance) UAS.
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| Photo: PDW |
| C100 (with payload options) |
Specifications
Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!
Data for C100:
| Dimensions | Flight: 1.63 m × 1.65 m × 28 cm (64” × 65” × 11”) Folded: 61 cm × 38 cm × 20 cm (24” × 15” × 8”) |
| Weight | 9.7 kg (21.4 lb) |
| Speed | 65 km/h (40 mph) |
| Ceiling | 3660 m (12000 ft) |
| Range | > 10 km (6.2 miles) |
| Endurance | 50-75 min. (depending on payload) |
| Propulsion | Electric motors |
Main Sources
[1] PDW Website
[2] Defense News, Jen Judson:
Army picks two companies to get small drones to brigade combat teams
[3] PR Newswire, PDW:
PDW's C100 Selected for Tranche 1 [...]
Back to Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 4
Last Updated: 14 September 2024