WingXpand, a leader in U.S. made autonomous smart planes with automatic AI threat detection, is expanding what’s possible in defense and civil missions with a series of key advancements boosting operational agility, precision, and response time. As part of an ongoing U.S. Army contract, the company is collaborating with RTX’s Raytheon, a leading provider of defense solutions, on a portion of these efforts.
WingXpand’s smart planes have a growing library of sophisticated AI algorithms to provide soldiers with automatic real-time threat identification. It’s made possible by the aircraft’s open systems architecture, allowing for the rapid integration of organic and third-party applications and payloads. This adaptability allows for mission flexibility today while futureproofing WingXpand’s smart planes for tomorrow as threats and tactics continue to evolve. Raytheon’s expertise in the infrared spectrum will significantly enhance this capability by improving mission effectiveness and increasing standoff for tactical ground units and command leadership. By leveraging this state-of-the-art Infrared AI algorithm, soldiers can receive and share information in real-time that precisely identifies potential threats, to enable rapid response and informed decision-making. The integration of these technologies is set to transform how the Army conducts surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical operations.
Building on this momentum, WingXpand has launched a new Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) capability to expand the operational versatility of its xRAI™ smart plane that expands from a backpack. This new option allows the xRAI to take off and land vertically, making it perfect for tight spaces and challenging environments. By combining VTOL functionality with its lightweight, portable design— xRAI delivers unmatched flexibility and rapid response for defense, public safety, and critical infrastructure missions.
The company has been recognized for the customizability of its drone technology, attracting new partnerships and clients who require precision and flexibility in diverse operating conditions. WingXpand’s recent win of the U.S. Army’s xTechSpecialForces competition underscores the impact of its adaptable, mission-critical technologies and remains committed to delivering the latest, high-impact solutions that address evolving challenges in defense and security.
WingXpand, founded in 2022 with a mission of expanding what’s possible with autonomous systems, helps farmers grow more yield, emergency crews respond to disasters faster and keep soldiers safe with its groundbreaking technology – a customizable 8ft autonomous smart plane that expands from a backpack. The company’s U.S. made, and patented aircraft combines the small size and simplicity of a quadcopter drone with the power and endurance of airplane wings, flying 5x longer while carrying 10x more weight than traditional drones. This powerful capability packed in the smallest form factor possible can rapidly provide unparalleled aerial insights anywhere, anytime. WingXpand has worked with the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Navy in addition to civil entities and is backed by Techstars, a world-leading startup accelerator in partnership with the U.S. Space Force and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. WingXpand is rapidly scaling to meet the demand for cutting-edge, mission-focused solutions that drive real-world impact.
About Raytheon:
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonic and missile defense across land, air, sea and space.