Pyka unveils DropShip for military logistics
DropShip boasts a ferry range of over 3,500 miles and a payload capacity of up to 550 pounds.;
Pyka on 13 October announced the launch of its DropShip, a next-generation unmanned aerial system designed for long-range, heavy-lift operations for the U.S Army. Its initial test flight is planned for 2026.
According to Pyka, the platform is engineered to address critical logistical and intelligence challenges in contested or hard-to-reach environments.
The DropShip boasts a ferry range of over 3,500 miles and a payload capacity of up to 550 pounds. A key feature is its precision airdrop system, which can deliver supplies within 150 feet of a target, supporting both large-scale theater operations and tactical resupply missions.
Founded in 2017 the company’s designs, develops and manufactures an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.
“DropShip answers the urgent demand for a flexible, attritable platform that can extend logistics, ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), and communications deep into contested or difficult to reach environments at a fraction of the cost of exquisite assets,” said Michael Norcia, CEO of Pyka.
Engineered for rapid deployment, the DropShip can be transported in a standard 20-foot shipping container and made flight-ready in under an hour by a single operator. For missions requiring stealth, the platform features an all-electric, low-signature mode, allowing for up to 45 minutes of quiet flight.
The unmanned aerial system is built with a modular mission system, allowing for reconfigurable payloads. Its capabilities include precision airdrop, advanced ISR sensors, and waveform-agnostic communications suites.
Additionally, the DropShip can act as a mothership for smaller unmanned vehicles or serve as an expeditionary power supply.
Norcia further said, “We see this as a critical step in expanding Pyka’s proven commercial technology into defense and humanitarian missions where adaptability and affordability matter most”.