Proxy Aviation Systems Inc., a startup designing a new generation of the unmanned aerial vehicles that have been growing in popularity for Air Force missions over hostile territory, is expected announce Tuesday that it has been awarded $4.4 million in federal funding to advance its work.
The Germantown, Md.-based company, which is backed by venture firm L Capital Partners, boasts a software system that allows one ground station to manage up to 12 unmanned vehicles at one time, and for one pilot to control multiple aircraft. The company claims that technology gives it a huge advantage over other UAVs, including some manufactured by defense heavyweights such as Northrop Grumman Corp., that require one pilot to direct each craft.
Proxy Aviation since 2005 has raised at least $15 million, according to Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company was formed in 2003.
The government cash will be used to finance Phase 2 of Proxy's flight demonstrations, which are expected to take place in mid-2009. Proxy's craft flew Phase I of the demonstration in July 2007 at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada. -
Lou Whiteman
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