Yates Electrospace Corporation (YEC), a leader in unmanned cargo delivery solutions, has unveiled the Silent Arrow® GD-2000 cargo delivery drone. For more information see the IDTechEx report on Drones 2018-2038

Silent Arrow is the world's first production-ready, 1-ton, autonomous cargo aircraft, which delivers up to 1,631 pounds (740 kg) of supplies at less than half the cost of JPADS with more than double the glide ratio, dramatically improved landing accuracy, zero vertical impact force and with far greater stealth. Given its increased safety features, Silent Arrow addresses both the tactical resupply, and the humanitarian / disaster relief markets.

YEC has so far established distribution agreements in 34 territories including the European Union, the UK, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Israel, Brazil and India. As a key member of YEC's growing worldwide network, The MEL Group holds exclusive UK manufacturing and distribution rights for Silent Arrow®, with sales and service available for all EU countries and begins production of Silent Arrow in accordance with AS9100 in October.

"We are pleased to welcome The MEL Group into the growing Silent Arrow production and distribution network as a key partner in our pioneering mission to bring immediate and life-saving air response to civilians and militaries operating in harm's way,"said Yates Electrospace Corporation CEO Chip Yates. "The GD-2000 being unveiled at the DSEI show is the flagship in a rapidly expanding product line including single-use, ruggedized and reusable, scaled-down, scaled-up, unpowered gliders and electrically powered cargo delivery aircraft."

Designed for military logistical support, Silent Arrow's tightly integrated packaging with spring-deployed wings transported inside the fuselage, high standoff distance and low cost have led to expanded military contracts with the U.S. and allied foreign government Special Operators (Marines, Army and Air Force), as well as aerospace & defense companies. Silent Arrow is designed for fixed-wing and rotorcraft deployment of critically needed supplies, cargo and fuel under austere operating conditions and timelines.

In support of these contracts, YEC has led an ongoing flight test program since 2017, in military airspace (undisclosed) and civilian airspace (Pendleton UAS Test Range, Pendleton Oregon) with rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft ranging from light Bell helicopters, up to the UH-1H "Huey", and the C-130 with deployment altitudes from as low as 1,500 feet AGL up to 25,000 feet MSL.

Specification highlights of the Silent Arrow GD-2000:

Gross Weight: 2,000lbs (907 kg)

Cargo Weight: 1,631lbs (740 kg)

Cargo Volume: 26cu/ft (.75 cu/m)

Glide Ratio: 8.4:1

Stall Speed @1,000lbs: 62kts, @2,000lbs: 92kts

Standoff: 40 miles

Logistics: 28ft wingspan (4 spring-deployed wings) stowed in 2ft x 2ft x 8ft fuselage

Source and top image: Yates Electrospace Corporation