In a groundbreaking collaboration, Alabama-based companies ATRX and Cummings Aerospace have joined forces to develop an innovative and cost-effective drone that is set to reach speeds of up to five times the speed of sound. This cutting-edge project aims to integrate a high-speed turbo-rocket engine into a proven unmanned aerial system (UAS), significantly enhancing its capabilities to achieve subsonic, supersonic, and ultimately hypersonic speeds.
The partnership is centered around an expanded version of Cummings’ Hellbound UAS, a low-cost kamikaze drone noted for its 3D-printed modular design and commercial off-the-shelf components. According to Sheila Cummings, CEO of Cummings Aerospace, “The modern battlefield demands systems that are capable of flying faster and further into contested airspace.” She emphasized that this collaboration with ATRX is key to developing ATR-powered UAS that can deliver both high speed and range within a single, affordable platform.
The two companies are ambitious in their timelines, aiming to conduct the first vertically launched test of their hypersonic drone within the next 18 to 24 months. This initiative reflects a broader trend in military technology, where the U.S. military has made substantial investments toward developing hypersonic capabilities. Such drones hold immense potential for evading traditional air defense systems, mainly due to their incredible speed.
However, despite significant efforts, no branch of the U.S. military has successfully deployed a UAS that can exceed five times the speed of sound. Should ATRX and Cummings Aerospace achieve their goal of developing a low-cost hypersonic drone within the proposed timeframe, they could establish themselves as pioneers in this field, offering this revolutionary technology to military forces globally.
Felix Bustos III, CEO of ATRX, highlighted the implications of their turbo-rocket engine, stating, “It allows capability to go from standstill on a runway or vertical take-off to Mach 5.” He added that the company is on a fast track to develop the necessary hardware, aiming to provide a distinct advantage for warfighters in the field with their innovative solution.
As the race for hypersonic technology intensifies, the collaboration between ATRX and Cummings Aerospace positions them at the forefront of a new era in military aerial capabilities, with the potential to redefine speed and effectiveness in combat scenarios.
