Coatesville-based Piasecki Aircraft Corporation has acquired Kaman Air Vehicles’ KARGO UAV program. It aims to expand its portfolio of vertical takeoff and landing and uncrewed aerial vehicle systems made for autonomous cargo missions, according to a staff report from the Military+Aerospace Electronics.
The Chester County company has acquired all KARGO UAV-related intellectual property and assets. It plans to move development and operations to its Heliplex facility in Coatesville.
The KARGO UAV features vertical takeoff and landing, waypoint navigation, and obstacle avoidance. Other capabilities also enable fully autonomous flight.
“This acquisition is a perfect fit for Piasecki’s long-term vision for a family of autonomous VTOL UAS solutions,” said John Piasecki, CEO of Piasecki Aircraft. “Kaman’s KARGO UAV program has already achieved significant milestones. With our VTOL expertise, world-class Heliplex, and deep industry partnerships, we are positioned to accelerate KARGO’s transition from prototype to production.”
The system offers dual-use potential across defense and commercial sectors, thanks to its design for rapid deployment, compact storage, and modular payload integration.
“This was a strategic decision to ensure that Kaman’s impressive UAV technology finds a home where it can thrive,” said Ross Sealfon, President and CEO of Kaman Corporation.
Read more about Piasecki Aircraft Corporation acquiring Kaman Air Vehicles’ UAV program at Military+Aerospace Electronics.
______
