Anduril Unveils Bolt Family VTOL UAVs Combining Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Attack Functions

Anduril has announced the launch of the Bolt family of man-packable, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) Autonomous Air Vehicles (AAVs), aimed at enhancing tactical capabilities for combat missions.

The base model, Bolt, is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) as well as search and rescue operations. The Bolt-M variant adds precision firepower, enabling ground forces to automate targeting through an intuitive interface that allows operators to decide where to look, what to follow, how to engage, and when to strike.

The development of the Bolt system addresses the increasing demand for lightweight, man-portable tactical loitering munitions in modern conflict, where commercial drone technology is leveraged to optimize costs and production capabilities.

Traditional first-person view (FPV) drones necessitate highly skilled pilots for effective operations, which can be a burden on cognitive resources and training requirements. The Bolt family aims to simplify these operations, providing options without the need for specialized training.

The Bolt-M model is engineered for rapid deployment and ease of use, featuring autonomous waypoint navigation, customizable standoff distances, and target-agnostic object tracking. It boasts over 40 minutes of endurance and a range of 20 kilometers, allowing dismounted forces to engage targets effectively from a distance. With a payload capacity of up to three pounds, Bolt-M can deliver impactful strikes against various ground-based targets.

The vehicle operates on Anduril’s tactical Lattice software platform, which integrates advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to streamline flight behaviors. Operators can manage complex scenarios, adjusting navigation through a user-friendly touchscreen interface. Bolt-M's autonomous capabilities allow it to track designated targets even as they move or are obstructed, ensuring continued operational effectiveness.

The Bolt family also prioritizes user safety and operational reliability, featuring a ground control station designed for easy operation, training, mission planning, and execution. The modular platform can accommodate various warheads, enabling swift adaptation to evolving battlefield conditions. Additionally, safety mechanisms such as an electronic safe and arm device (ESAD) enhance operational security during transport and redeployment.

With its compact design and swift deployment capability, the Bolt-M can be launched in less than five minutes, offering on-demand precision firepower. Its versatility allows it to function in various environments without specialized launch equipment, with capabilities for day and night operations through its onboard camera system.