Michigan-based drone developer Darkflite recently announced that they had received a Department of the Air Force Direct-to-Phase II contract in the amount of $1,249,911 focused on its tilt-rotor logistics drone platform. The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have streamlined the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating award timelines, expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead, allowing Darkflite to access the program.
A quote included in the press release said, “We are honored to partner with AFWERX and the Department of the Air Force on this Phase II contract award. Our advanced logistics drone technology will bring a new level of autonomy, resilience, and mission flexibility to the DAF’s medical logistics and emergency response operations. Being based in Michigan, we are proud to contribute to the nation’s leadership in advanced aerial mobility and look forward to demonstrating how this technology can enhance readiness and efficiency for the Air Force.”
The Darkflite logistics drone platform is a carbon composite logistics UAV with independently actuated tilt rotors, giving the rather gangly silhouette remarkable agility. In 2024, the company received an SBIR for a blood delivery system, saying, “We are proud to announce that we have been awarded a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract for the groundbreaking project “Prehospital Blood Transfusion Systems Improvement: Expanding Access through Innovative Technologies and Tools.”
Darkflite is the dual-use sibling of blueflite, who make commercial drones focused on logistics. More information about Darkflite is available here.
About Darkflite
Darkflite Inc. is a U.S.-based aerospace company developing next-generation uncrewed aerial systems for defense and national security applications. Headquartered in Michigan, Darkflite serves federal agencies, government customers, and allied partners seeking advanced aerial capabilities. The company builds on the proven commercial foundation of its affiliate company, blueflite, leveraging patented tilt-rotor drone technology to accelerate innovation and transition critical capabilities to the Department of Defense and public agencies.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at four hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
