Aeryon Defense USA has released details on the R80D SkyRaider, which is the company's new multi-mission Defense and Federal Government Group 1 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) small UAS. 

Aeryon Defense calls the SkyRaider its “most advanced military-grade sUAS,” as it delivers “a range of versatile Group 2-3 payload capabilities with the agility and single-operator deployment footprint of a proven Group 1 VTOL aircraft.” Some of the SkyRaider's core capabilities include Tactical Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Persistent Overwatch and payload delivery.

According to Aeryon Defense, the SkyRaider UAS is “redefining what’s possible with a man-packable drone,” thanks to its ability to carry and deliver multiple payloads up to 4.4 pounds, an open architecture, and the “fastest, most powerful embedded artificial intelligence (AI) computing devices” available on a small UAS.

Thanks to its expanded carrying capacity, open payload architecture, and dynamic and responsive flight control, the SkyRaider UAS offers an “unprecedented level of flexibility” in a single small UAS, Aeryon Defense says.

During AUVSI’s Xponential conference and exhibition in Denver from April 30 to May 3, Aeryon Defense will show the R80D SkyRaider UAS for the first time publicly.