Shadowfax UAS

Shadowfax develops long-endurance hybrid VTOL unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), tactical overwatch and multi-mission aerial capability for defence, security and commercial operators. Combining the efficiency of fixed-wing flight with the flexibility of autonomous vertical take-off and landing, the company’s aircraft deliver exceptional endurance, modular payload integration and reliable operation from remote and infrastructure-limited environments.

Shadowfax platforms are engineered to maximise time on station while reducing deployment complexity, maintenance requirements and overall operational costs. Their innovative hybrid propulsion architecture, runway-independent operation and field-serviceable design make them ideally suited to missions where endurance, flexibility and reliability are mission-critical.

Persistent ISR with Greater Operational Flexibility

Modern defence and security operations demand more than airborne imagery—they require persistent intelligence that can be deployed quickly, operate efficiently and adapt to evolving mission requirements. Shadowfax hybrid VTOL aircraft enable operators to maintain longer surveillance missions, extend operational reach and reduce the number of aircraft and personnel required to achieve mission objectives.

Autonomous VTOL capability removes the need for launch and recovery equipment, allowing operations from confined spaces, unprepared terrain, moving platforms and remote forward operating locations. Once airborne, the aircraft transition seamlessly into highly efficient fixed-wing flight, delivering extended endurance and wide-area coverage for ISR, border security, maritime surveillance, search and rescue, communications relay and critical infrastructure monitoring.

Innovative Hybrid VTOL UAV Technology

Shadowfax unmanned aircraft combine advanced hybrid propulsion with intelligent aircraft design to maximise mission endurance while simplifying field operations. Proprietary position-locking lift motors eliminate unnecessary drag during forward flight, improving aerodynamic efficiency without compromising VTOL performance.

The hybrid propulsion system incorporates an onboard starter-generator that provides continuous electrical power for mission payloads while reducing battery dependency. A field-swappable engine module allows rapid maintenance and minimises downtime between deployments, helping maximise aircraft availability in demanding operational environments.

Additional autonomous safety features, including automatic emergency landing capability, further enhance mission reliability and operational confidence during BVLOS operations.

Modular Payload Integration for Multi-Mission Capability

Shadowfax UAS platforms are designed to support a wide variety of intelligence-gathering and specialist mission payloads without extensive airframe modifications. Their spacious modular payload architecture allows operators to rapidly configure aircraft for changing operational requirements while maintaining optimal flight performance.

The UAS can be equipped with a broad range of payloads, including:

• EO/IR imaging systems
• Laser rangefinders and target designation sensors
• Synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
• Mapping and surveying sensors
• Communications relay equipment
• Electronic warfare and SIGINT payloads
• Environmental and scientific sensors

The company’s proprietary payload balancing technology helps maintain aircraft stability and handling characteristics across varying payload configurations, enabling reliable performance throughout diverse mission profiles.

Resilient Communications for Extended BVLOS Missions

Shadowfax aircraft support flexible communications architectures for long-range and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. Secure encrypted radio links, cellular connectivity and SATCOM options enable reliable command, control and payload data transmission across extended operating distances and challenging communications environments.

These capabilities allow operators to maintain situational awareness and uninterrupted mission effectiveness during long-endurance ISR, border security and remote surveillance operations.

Hybrid VTOL UAS Platforms

Designed for Persistent Intelligence Operations

Every Shadowfax UAS is engineered around a single objective: delivering more actionable intelligence with fewer operational constraints. By combining hybrid propulsion, autonomous VTOL capability, modular payload integration and field-serviceable architecture, the company’s aircraft maximise sensor time on station while reducing logistics, maintenance and lifecycle costs.

Whether supporting tactical ISR, maritime security, border protection, emergency response or commercial aerial operations, Shadowfax hybrid VTOL UAS provide a flexible, reliable and future-ready platform for persistent airborne intelligence.