U.S. Marine Corps orders more VXE30 Stalker drones from Edge Autonomy

By Defence Industry Europe

Edge Autonomy has secured a follow-on contract with the United States Navy Marine Corps for its VXE30 Stalker Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (sUAS). The contract will support the Marine Corps' Long Range/Long Endurance (LR/LE) programme, increasing the VXE30 Stalker fleet to over 200 aircraft.

 

The expansion marks a significant step in the Marine Corps’ modernisation efforts under the “Force Design 2030” initiative, aimed at enhancing naval expeditionary warfare. The VXE30 Stalker’s advanced capabilities, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) functions, will strengthen operations across contested maritime spaces and bolster national defence strategies.

Edge Autonomy has been a trusted partner of the US Marine Corps since 2006, evolving the Stalker system to meet dynamic mission needs. Chief Growth Officer Josh Stinson highlighted the aircraft’s proven reliability, stating it has surpassed 100,000 flight hours globally, making it a versatile asset for land and sea operations.

 

 

The VXE30 Stalker’s modular design offers unmatched flexibility through a variety of payloads and power options, including a state-of-the-art battery providing six hours of flight time. For extended missions, a proprietary propane fuel cell increases endurance to 24 hours, with a robust filtration system enabling the use of various propane grades.

This lightweight, Group 2 sUAS is designed to replace larger, more logistically demanding systems, aligning with the Marine Corps’ shift towards Distributed Operations. The system’s ease of transport, rugged construction, and ability to function in GPS-denied environments underscore its battlefield adaptability.

 

 

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