Showcasing the Potential of VTOL Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Upcoming Flights

Artist’s concept of five performer designs for the DARPA ANCILLARY program’s EVADE demonstration. Image shows vertical takeoff-and-landing position and forward flight orientation, to scale, for each aircraft. Source: DARPA

A major shift is taking shape in the world of military aviation, as DARPA prepares to launch a new generation of drones designed to put airpower directly into the hands of small tactical units. Known as EVADE, short for Early VTOL Aircraft Demonstration, the program will begin flight testing this month, marking a significant leap in battlefield autonomy. These aren’t traditional drones — they are vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft weighing under 330 pounds, engineered to operate without the need for runways, dedicated ground stations, or support infrastructure.

The goal of EVADE, according to a recent announcement by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, is not to pursue perfection but to rapidly deploy capability. The five aircraft under the program are designed to prove that small drones with long endurance and advanced payloads can be built, tested, and fielded at unprecedented speed. Led by Program Manager Phillip Smith, a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Major and former AV-8B Harrier pilot, EVADE emphasizes speed over polish. “The faster we can get these demonstration aircraft airborne, the quicker we can identify and resolve any issues, and ultimately deliver game-changing capabilities to our warfighters in the field,” Smith said in DARPA’s official release.

This urgency stems from the agency’s broader vision under the ANCILLARY program — Advanced airCraft Infrastructure-Less Launch And RecoverY — which originally scheduled flight testing for late 2026. The EVADE initiative effectively accelerates that timeline by more than a year. Key requirements like strict physical dimensions or autonomous landings in high sea states have been deferred in order to fast-track the development cycle. This streamlined approach opens the door for earlier insights, rapid improvements, and real-world utility in compressed timeframes.

One of the most powerful features of the EVADE drones lies in their software. All five aircraft incorporate Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy algorithms, developed under DARPA’s previous ALIAS project. These algorithms enable the drones to conduct entire missions autonomously — from takeoff to landing — with minimal user interaction. This autonomy significantly reduces the workload on field operators, making the systems easier to deploy during long, complex missions. By standardizing the autonomy software across all five drone designs, DARPA also ensures consistent operator training and interface familiarity, which reduces the learning curve for troops on the ground.

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To further enhance field integration, the drones are also equipped with the Battle Management System (BMS) developed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division. This software directly connects with the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK), a digital device already in use by most U.S. military units. This allows real-time data sharing between the drone and troops in the field, eliminating the need for a bulky control station and lowering overall costs. According to Smith, this is part of the program’s goal to “democratize air power” — putting it directly into the hands of operational units rather than keeping it centralized under large-scale air operations.

Each of the five drones will demonstrate a specific mission capability during the flight tests. The participating companies — AeroVironment, Griffon Aerospace, Karem Aircraft, Method Aeronautics, and Sikorsky — were chosen for their distinct design strengths. Although the platforms differ in structure and performance, all meet a demanding baseline: 12 hours of flight endurance, a 60-pound payload, and a 100 nautical mile range. These aircraft are adaptable, designed to carry a wide range of payloads including logistical supplies, communications relays, synthetic aperture radar, weapons systems, and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) sensors.

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Smith refers to the drones as “flying trucks” — robust platforms capable of carrying high-performance mission packages despite their compact VTOL form. Their modular nature makes them highly suitable for a range of scenarios, from delivering ammunition to remote locations, to tracking enemy movements, to extending communications in signal-denied environments. By testing multiple configurations and control methodologies, DARPA aims to identify versatile solutions that meet the diverse operational needs of modern military forces.

Beyond technical demonstration, the EVADE program is also focused on readiness for mass production. Certification processes are running concurrently with aircraft design, allowing the fastest performers to transition quickly from prototype to field-ready hardware. According to DARPA’s announcement, the goal is for each company to be prepared for scalable production within the upcoming defense budget cycle. This reflects a holistic approach that addresses not just flight performance, but also cost, interoperability, usability, manufacturing efficiency, and long-term support logistics.

The ANCILLARY class of aircraft serves a unique operational niche within the Department of Defense. These drones are small enough for flexible deployment yet powerful enough to provide mission capabilities previously only available through Group 4 or Group 5 drones, such as MQ-9 Reapers. Unlike those larger systems, EVADE-class drones can operate without airbases or large crews, making them ideal for small Army or Marine Corps units, Special Operations teams, and shipboard missions.

This design flexibility is supported by recent findings from a Congressional Research Service “In Focus” report published in October 2024, which underscores the evolving nature of drone classification within the DOD. EVADE’s 330-pound design threshold aligns with acquisition, logistics, and field deployment needs that are often overlooked by larger platforms. It also simplifies maintenance and improves portability, making it easier to integrate these drones into day-to-day combat operations without logistical complications.

As flight testing begins, DARPA is not only validating new drone designs but is also laying the foundation for a future where advanced aerial capabilities are standard across the battlefield — not limited to command centers or specialized units. The program envisions a military where every platoon, squad, or vessel has instant access to real-time intelligence, logistical support, or precision strike capability through small, intelligent, and autonomous drones.

EVADE represents a clear step toward a decentralized airpower model — one that can adapt quickly to changing mission conditions and empower frontline units with more control. With each flight test, DARPA brings that future closer to reality. The coming months could mark a decisive turn in military strategy, where agility, autonomy, and affordability drive the next generation of defense readiness.