Firestorm

Autonomous robotics are setting a new standard in maritime defense, delivering unmatched precision and efficiency for mission-critical hull inspections. Greensea IQ has launched a newly enhanced underwater hull inspection robot for EverClean IQ, combining hull crawling and underwater flight capabilities with ultrasonic sensors and cameras for advanced hull inspections. Here are some key takeaways: ? The robot features integrated ultrasonic metal thickness sensors and cameras, offering comprehensive hull inspections and change detection. ? EverClean IQ is now a complete inspection tool, streamlining data collection for ship repair and maintenance planning. ? Marine surveyors and shipyards can leverage this platform, enhancing decision-making with real-time, high-quality data. Land, air, and sea systems are converging to create a future where autonomous technologies drive efficiency, safety, and tactical advantage across all domains. https://lnkd.in/ga-N4wg3

Firestorm is thrilled to welcome Curtis Spalt to the team! Curtis brings a diverse background of leadership and project management from both military and civilian sectors. After serving five years in the U.S. Army, including two in Special Operations, Curtis transitioned into project management at a real estate development startup called Flow. Most recently, he worked as an Operator at Flow and a Senior Logistics Manager for the 75th Ranger Regiment. In his new role, Curtis will manage cross-functional initiatives, aligning teams and resources to achieve Firestorm’s mission of delivering innovative defense solutions. Welcome aboard, Curtis!

The future of autonomous warfare is here, and the Navy's latest efforts are leading the charge. NAVAIR recently awarded a contract to Shield AI to integrate their AI-enabled pilot, Hivemind, with the BQM-177A subsonic aerial target. This groundbreaking technology will allow for fully autonomous flight and multi-agent air combat tactics, mirroring Firestorm’s mission to develop modular and rapidly deployable UAV systems. As the Navy begins to incorporate autonomous systems, they aim to validate AI algorithms in real-world scenarios by 2025. The BQM-177A will serve as a critical testbed to refine and improve autonomous flight capabilities. At Firestorm, we are committed to supporting advancements in autonomous technology that align with national security goals. As our own work with modular drones continues, the Navy's developments highlight the importance of autonomous systems in modern warfare and how innovation can enhance defense capabilities. https://lnkd.in/eyUgaRzR

Check out this article featuring Firestorm’s own VP of Business Development, Brett Barbee! Brett talked about how our cutting-edge defense technologies aim to reduce the cognitive load on warfighters and provide immediate impact in the field. This opportunity allowed us to engage directly with both T-REX assessors and warfighters to demonstrate the capabilities of our innovative drones. Read the full article about this exciting milestone for Firestorm and what’s next: https://lnkd.in/gbpjWaZe

Firestorm is excited to welcome Nick Hurst to the team! Nick joins Firestorm with a rich background in defense, homeland security, and military service. For the past 10 years, Nick has worn dual hats, serving as a member of the Army National Guard while supporting the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a contractor, both at home and abroad. Previously, Nick held roles at ARA as a Program Analyst, where he managed technology demonstration and experimentation venues, and at PAE as a Risk Analyst, providing strategic risk analysis to FEMA and DHS. In his new role, Nick will contribute to Firestorm by leveraging his experience in building strong, strategic alliances to maintain and develop our relationships in the National Capital Region across both Government and Private Industry. His commitment to driving growth and delivering exceptional value will help ensure Firestorm remains at the forefront of innovative solutions. Welcome to the team, Nick!

Firestorm recently demonstrated the capabilities of our Tempest drones at T-REX 24-2, an event hosted by OUSD R&E at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, from August 19-29. Here are the highlights of our successful flight demonstrations: Autonomous Operations: Our Tempest drones executed their missions with minimal human intervention—from takeoff to mission completion and landing—highlighting their reliability and precision. Multi-Agent Flight: For the first time, Firestorm successfully flew two Tempest drones in a coordinated mission. One conducted an ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) mission, while the other performed a loitering munition (LM) mission. Operational Effectiveness: The T-REX event is crucial for validating technical maturation within TRL levels 4-6. Our Tempest drones demonstrated their suitability as rapidly deployable, modular sUAS that can integrate seamlessly with existing joint assets and support persistent multi-mission capabilities. Alignment with DoD Priorities: T-REX events focus on assessing technologies in realistic operational environments to support the Joint Warfighting Concepts. Firestorm’s success at T-REX underscores our commitment to advancing the future of defense technology and contributing to national security objectives. Firestorm’s participation in this event is a testament to our ongoing dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and enhancing the defense industrial base. #T_REX24TWO #RDER #OUSDRE

Firestorm had a fantastic time at the Indo-Pacific Irregular Warfare Conference in Hawaii! Our team, led by Dan, Chad & Dave, enjoyed the beautiful island setting while engaging in crucial discussions surrounding interoperability, maritime security, and the future of defense tech in the Indo-Pacific region. It was an honor to exchange ideas with industry leaders and military personnel on how Firestorm’s mission-adaptable aerial vehicles can contribute to the evolving defense landscape. We even found some time to soak in the Hawaiian sun! ?

"The long pole in the tent with innovation... is not just dollars on contract, but the test and evaluation community. Unfortunately, there’s been very little treatment given to solving things like the availability of government ranges to test equipment." – Stephen Rodriguez In his recent interview at Nexus, Stephen Rodriguez, Founder of One Defense and Applied Intuition Defense Advisory Board member, highlighted a critical gap in defense innovation—the lack of adequate testing and evaluation infrastructure. As the defense tech landscape evolves, several key points stand out: - Testing environments for software-defined vehicles and advanced defense systems remain underdeveloped, limiting innovation. - DIU’s substantial funding needs a coherent strategy for effective deployment. - Data ownership in defense programs is a contentious issue that impacts collaboration and autonomy progress. - The focus on integrating software into legacy systems is crucial for enhancing military capabilities. Defense tech companies are increasingly using services revenue to support growth into software-driven solutions. At Firestorm, we are addressing these challenges by developing cutting-edge 3D-printed drones designed to push the boundaries of what’s possible in modern warfare. https://lnkd.in/gE3eX-_y

Firestorm is excited to welcome Zack Freeman to the team! Zack joins Firestorm with a diverse background in mechanical and industrial design. Previously, Zack held roles at Magpul Industries Corp as a Product Design Engineer, where he contributed to both product design and engineering for injection-molded consumer goods, and at Swigro, where he designed custom robotics and large-format 3D printers. In his new role, Zack will contribute to Firestorm by leveraging his expertise in additive manufacturing to design innovative structures and mechanisms for our UAS, helping push the boundaries of aerospace engineering. Welcome to the team, Zack!

Firestorm welcomed Assistant Secretary for Industrial Base Policy Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale to HQ following the National Defense Industrial Association - (NDIA) Gold Coast Conference this week in San Diego. CEO Dan Magy was thrilled to showcase Firestorm’s cutting-edge facility and the expeditionary additive manufacturing unit xCell that enables the rapid production, modularity, and deployment of Tempest sUAS, at the point of need. A fantastic discussion around?accelerating the deployment of manufacturing at the edge so that U.S. and partner forces may prepare and sustain access to capabilities in a contested environment — not to mention forge a powerful technical workforce, across the nation, in the process. That preparation must start now, not amid conflict. Firestorm was honored to welcome and collaborate with?the team of?Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment on advancing this mission set. Firestorm Labs thanks Julie Loiland, Scott Jones with OUSD A&S IBP and Mary Monica Palmer with M2 Defense Strategies.