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About AFT

Focusing on Uncrewed Systems for Over a Decade

Autonomous Flight Technologies, Inc. (AFT) is a Virginia-based aerospace and defense company specializing in unmanned aircraft systems, autonomous technologies, flight operations, and rapid aircraft development.

Incorporated in 2012, AFT began as a research and development company focused on advancing unmanned aircraft for commercial, industrial, government, and defense applications. Since then, AFT has worked with companies, universities, government organizations, and engineering teams throughout the United States, including collaborative work with Virginia Tech.

AFT was among the early American companies authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct commercial UAS operations through FAA Section 333 Exemption No. 13319. Our original authorization included industrial and agricultural mapping, research and development, emergency-response support, operational training, UAS operator training, aerial data collection, and product demonstrations.

Today, AFT operates through two primary departments:

UAS Service Provider

AFT provides professional UAS flight operations and aerial data services for commercial, industrial, engineering, and government customers.

Our capabilities include:

  • Industrial inspections and assessments

  • Survey-grade aerial mapping and modeling

  • Construction progress documentation

  • Aggregate stockpile measurements

  • Infrastructure and utility inspections

  • Agricultural and environmental monitoring

  • Emergency-response and operational support

  • UAS flight testing and product demonstrations

  • Specialized aerial data collection

  • UAS operator and mission training

With experienced flight crews, specialized aircraft, and the ability to develop mission-specific solutions, AFT can support projects ranging from individual site inspections to complex, recurring operations.

AFT Engineering Services

AFT Engineering Services develops, manufactures, integrates, and tests unmanned aircraft and related technologies for commercial, government, and defense applications.

Our in-house capabilities include:

  • Unmanned aircraft design and development

  • Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 UAS

  • Target drones and training platforms

  • Autonomous and GPS-denied systems

  • Counter-UAS training solutions

  • Payload integration

  • Composite design and manufacturing

  • CAD, CAM, CNC machining, and rapid prototyping

  • Aircraft modification and system integration

  • Ground and flight testing

  • Low-rate and scalable production

AFT combines engineering, manufacturing, and real-world flight experience under one organization. This allows our team to move quickly from an initial requirement or concept through design, prototyping, testing, and production.

Whether a customer needs professional UAS flight services, a specialized aircraft, an integrated payload, or a completely new unmanned system, AFT provides practical solutions built around the mission.

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Our Clients

Inquire today for more information.

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