In a significant advancement for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, Nordic Wing has announced its selection of Amprius’ high-energy-density SiCore silicon batteries for its ASTERO intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) fixed-wing drone. This partnership highlights a commitment to enhancing UAV capabilities, particularly in mission endurance.
Amprius reports that the SiCore batteries permit a remarkable 90 percent increase in flight endurance compared to conventional battery options. This enhancement enables the ASTERO drone to extend its operational flight time to approximately four hours without increasing its weight. Such extended flight capabilities are crucial for operators, allowing them to monitor areas for longer durations and significantly improving situational awareness and tactical flexibility during missions.
The SiCore batteries are designed to provide reliable performance even in GPS-denied or electronically contested environments. This reliability is particularly essential for maintaining uninterrupted operations, which are vital for successful ISR missions. Jonas Dyhr, founder of Nordic Wing, remarked on the transformative impact of Amprius’ batteries, stating, “Amprius’ batteries have fundamentally changed how our drones operate in the field. With a significant increase in flight time, our drones can stay airborne longer, cover more ground, and deliver real-time intelligence without interruptions.”
Tom Stepien, president of Amprius Technologies, underscored the growing importance of energy efficiency in drone operations. He noted, “Energy is rapidly becoming a critical factor in drone operations. As mission requirements grow more complex, the need for lightweight, long-lasting, and dependable battery solutions continues to rise.” This trend illustrates the increasing reliance on advanced battery technology to meet the demands of modern UAV missions.
The ASTERO ISR drone boasts advanced payloads that elevate its operational effectiveness. Among its notable features are a stabilized Nighthawk X80 camera and a Nighthawk 2 UZ thermal sensor, both of which provide high-resolution imaging for critical intelligence operations. Furthermore, the drone is equipped with robust radio communications systems, supporting a long-range link of up to 45 kilometers (28 miles) and a short-range link of 12 kilometers (7.5 miles).
Operators can effectively manage the UAV’s missions through two ground control stations: the T30 pilot terminal for flight management and the T40 camera terminal for thermal imaging, object tracking, and geolocation. In addition, the integration of frequency jamming-resistant radios and active anti-jamming technology equips the drone to counter GPS spoofing and electronic interference, ensuring reliable command, control, and data transmission even in challenging environments.
This collaboration between Nordic Wing and Amprius signifies a pivotal step toward more advanced, resilient, and capable UAV systems, paving the way for enhanced capabilities in intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
