Navy Lab Partners With Tech Firm to Upgrade Drone Capabilities

Panama City, FL– The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) has partnered with Sagetech Avionics, Inc. to improve drone technology for the Navy. The two organizations signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) on July 27th.

The partnership is called the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collaborative Research Effort. Together, they will work to upgrade drones with new Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) abilities. IFF helps distinguish friendly forces from threats.

Capt. David Back, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division commanding officer, signs a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) during a signing ceremony held July 27. NSWC PCD is developing a low-cost expendable UAS with a novel deployment method that will continue to develop the technical capabilities of the engineers and developers through responsible resource stewardship and information sharing with collaborative partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Jeremy Roman)

Gavin Taylor, an engineer at NSWC PCD, explained the benefits of the collaboration. He said it will let them give drones unique new technologies developed by Sagetech Avionics. Adding IFF to small drones will make them more useful for the Navy.

NSWC PCD is developing new low-cost drones with special deployment methods. The goal is to support the Navy by expanding advantages over opponents. Integrating Sagetech’s IFF technology will make NSWC PCD’s drones more valuable.

Another goal is improving the skills of NSWC PCD engineers and developers. Working with Sagetech gives them hands-on experience integrating hardware and software. It also keeps specialized technical work in-house at NSWC PCD.

The partnership also helps NSWC PCD support the Navy’s goal of advancing future battlespace operations. Collaborating gives them access to cutting-edge technology and maintains knowledge within the Navy lab.

Sagetech works with the U.S. and NATO militaries to enable safer drone flights. They aim to deliver certified solutions so any aircraft can fly safely. Sagetech is excited to combine expertise with NSWC PCD to integrate new capabilities into advanced military drones.

This is the first CRADA between NSWC PCD and Sagetech. It was created through the Naval Innovative Science and Engineering program. This program funds in-house research at Navy labs to support military needs. The partnership will help move new technologies from the lab to the fleet.