DSEI 2019: Unusual Cargo Delivery Drone Gets Contracts
Designed for tactical resupply, the Silent Arrow has been developed for US Special Forces and foreign customers
The Silent Arrow was displayed this week at the DSEI exhibition in London’s ExCel center. (photo: Chris Pocock)
The Silent Arrow was displayed this week at the DSEI exhibition in London’s ExCel center. (photo: Chris Pocock)

An unpowered tandem-wing guided delivery vehicle that can be dropped from the ramp of airlifters such as the C-17 and C-130, or from helicopters, has been developed by Yates Electrospace Corporation (YEC) of the U.S. The Silent Arrow GD-2000 first flew in 2017 and is being tested by U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and foreign militaries. The vehicle has been tested at various military ranges, and at the Pendleton UAS Test Range in Oregon. It has been dropped from helicopters and fixed-wing platforms, including the C-130, and from altitudes ranging between 1,500 ft and 25,000 ft.