Pivotal's eVTOL gains Air Force deal for advanced testing
- Pivotal is developing a military-focused eVTOL called Spiro, scaled up from the BlackFly.
- The company has secured a deal with the Air Force for access to testing facilities and resources.
- These advancements position Pivotal as a leader in military aerial technology.
In Tampa, Florida, at the SOF Week event, Pivotal showcased its innovative military-focused electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, BlackFly, which is currently being explored for various military applications. The company's CEO, Ken Karklin, highlighted the vehicle's potential for missions such as covert insertion and extraction, and it has the capability for autonomous flights. This interest aligns with a new development called Spiro, an enlarged version of BlackFly, designed for heavier military operations and carrying significant cargo over long distances. Recently, Pivotal formed a strategic partnership with the United States Air Force through a two-year agreement with AFWERX Agility Prime. This deal grants Pivotal access to critical testing facilities, expert resources, and several sites within restricted airspace, which facilitates the accelerated testing of both crewed and uncrewed flight systems. This partnership aims to ensure that Pivotal’s eVTOL technology is firmly integrated into military operations. The BlackFly aircraft resembles a modern drone and is marketed as an important technological advancement for the battlefield. It is expected to offer solutions to various challenges faced by military personnel, specifically in search and rescue (SAR) situations. The capability to deploy multiple aircraft autonomously allows for a cost-effective means of recovering stranded individuals, enabling one aircraft to bring back a person who can pilot it home or return under remote control. With military interests on the rise, Pivotal seems positioned to not only fulfill immediate military needs but also play a significant role in future combat operations. The ongoing evolution of the Spiro model, which will be capable of transporting significant cargo and operating over long distances, reflects a commitment to advancing aerial military tech and suggests that other armed forces may soon explore similar technologies. Karklin has expressed confidence that Pivotal can outperform competitors in certain missions, establishing the company as a prominent player in the rapidly evolving eVTOL sector.