Airdrop-capable hybrid group 4 UAS for contested logistics: enabling ace for the daf

The Department of the Air Force awarded PYKA INC. a $1,244,452 Phase II SBIR contract to develop the 'Pelican Cargo 2.0,' an attritable, hybrid-propulsion Group 4 unmanned aerial system (UAS) capable of precision airdrops for contested logistics. This project aims to validate a first-of-its-kind multi-mission drone to replace inadequate traditional distribution networks and ensure mission success in high-risk battlespaces. The contract, which began on September 25, 2025, and ends March 26, 2027, focuses on designing, prototyping, and integrating the hybrid propulsion and precision airdrop systems to achieve a Technology Readiness Level of 4.