Draganfly, a Canadian developer of unmanned aerial systems, has landed a contract to deliver its Commander3 XL drone to a key branch of the US Department of Defense. This acquisition is part of the Pentagon’s initiative to integrate next-generation UAVs capable of both observation and active mission roles.
The Commander3 XL will contribute to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tasks while offering support for more complex operations requiring taskable autonomy. The platform’s versatility fits the US military’s drive toward advanced, flexible drone systems that can adapt to combat and support missions alike.
Designed for rapid deployment and heavy-lift operations, the drone can carry payloads up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms). It is equipped with modular mounting capabilities to accommodate optical cameras, thermal sensors, LiDAR units, or even cargo systems. The drone can fly at speeds up to 72 kilometers per hour and has a flight endurance of around 35 minutes when unloaded. When fully loaded, its endurance drops to approximately 20 minutes. A hybrid version features a Pegasus 70cc liquid-cooled engine that runs on both gasoline and heavy fuels. Additionally, the Commander3 XL boasts a rugged design with foldable arms, allowing deployment even in light rain and snow conditions.
