DARPA’s AdvaNced airCraft Infrastructure-Less Launch And RecoverY (ANCILLARY) program, launched in 2023, aims to develop versatile VTOL drones capable of operating from diverse locations without requiring specialized launch equipment.
The nine companies initially involved are AeroVironment, AVX Aircraft, Griffon Aerospace, Karem Aircraft, Leidos, Method Aeronautics, Northrop Grumman, Piasecki Aircraft, and Sikorsky. Recently, Sikorsky and Northrop Grumman have progressed to the next development phase.
Sikorsky’s innovative design includes a tail-sitting rotor-blown wing, facilitating vertical takeoff and smooth transition to horizontal flight. Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman’s less detailed design blends characteristics reminiscent of dragonflies and mosquitoes, indicating a unique hybrid approach.
While specifics of Northrop Grumman’s drone remain undisclosed, the company’s selection indicates confidence in its capabilities. Collaborating with Leigh Aerosystems and Near Earth Autonomy, Northrop Grumman aims to advance its ANCILLARY drone’s design and systems integration.
DARPA anticipates deploying a functional ANCILLARY drone by 2026, primarily for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. These advancements in VTOL drone technology signify a significant leap in aerial operations capability, with implications for defense and civilian applications alike.