MAV-XT
Advanced Military CUAS Training Solution Unleash Superior Counter-Drone Capabilities with Autonomous Flight Technologies
"The Affordable Clay Pigeon for Modern Drone Warfare"
Micro Aerial Vehicle - XT
Designed specifically for military live-fire training, the MAV-XT provides armored formations and ground combat units with a realistic, cost-effective aerial target that replicates modern battlefield threats. Engineered and manufactured by Autonomous Flight Technologies (AFT), the MAV-XT delivers the size, endurance, and performance required to challenge crews in today's rapidly evolving threat environment.
Built in Salem, Virginia, the MAV-XT is a low-cost, recoverable, repairable, and customizable target drone designed to support the development and validation of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) across a wide range of training scenarios. Its larger airframe and enhanced flight characteristics make it ideal for training armored vehicle crews, air defense units, weapons teams, and mounted formations to detect, track, identify, and engage aerial threats.
The MAV-XT can be employed in individual, crew-served, and collective training events, providing realistic target presentations that simulate reconnaissance drones, loitering munitions, and other unmanned aerial threats encountered on the modern battlefield. Its ability to maneuver dynamically and operate at varying speeds and altitudes creates a challenging training environment that improves engagement effectiveness and decision-making under pressure.
Modern drone threats are increasingly difficult to identify and neutralize. The MAV-XT enables realistic live-fire training that builds confidence, sharpens response times, and prepares personnel to react decisively when seconds matter.
The platform is swarm-capable, available in multiple colors and configurations, and can be equipped with cameras, telemetry systems, and mission-specific payloads to support a variety of training objectives.
AFT provides comprehensive technical support, operator training, maintenance assistance, and responsive customer service to ensure units maximize the value and effectiveness of their training programs.
Key Features:
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Long Range: Operates up to 1 km, enabling expansive training scenarios.
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Extended Flight Duration: Over 50 minutes of continuous flight for comprehensive mission exercises.
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Low Acoustic Signature: ~65db @ 10' in hover.
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Autonomous Flight Plans: Pre-programmed and adaptive flight paths for realistic threat simulation.
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Swarm Capability: Supports coordinated multi-drone operations to mimic advanced adversary tactics.
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TAK Integration: Seamlessly connects with Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) units for enhanced situational awareness and mission coordination.
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Optional Video Payloads: Live FPV video for stealthy reconnaissance in contested environments.
Why Choose MAV-MT for CUAS Training?
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Cost-Effective: Affordable platform reduces training costs without compromising performance.
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Rapid Setup: Deploys in under 5 minutes with a single operator, maximizing training efficiency.
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Durable Design: Built to withstand harsh environments, ensuring reliability in field conditions.
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Scalable Configurations: Available in multiple variants to simulate diverse drone threats.
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High-Fidelity Simulation: Replicates real-world UAS behaviors for immersive, effective training.
Overview
The MAV-XT was developed to provide an affordable, secure, and American-manufactured target drone solution for testing and training against the rapidly evolving unmanned threats found on today's battlefield. As military organizations seek realistic platforms to evaluate anti-UAS systems and tactics, many commercially available drones remain foreign-made or contain foreign-sourced components that limit their suitability for defense applications.
Data Security
Security is a critical consideration when conducting defense-related testing and training. Unlike cloud-dependent commercial systems, the MAV-XT utilizes a direct point-to-point communications architecture between the aircraft and ground control station. Flight control, telemetry, and payload data remain isolated from external networks and internet connectivity.
All communications are encrypted, providing a secure platform for sensitive testing, training, and technology development activities.
Cost-Effective and Sustainable
The MAV-XT was engineered with affordability and sustainability in mind. Components are carefully selected to reduce acquisition and operating costs while incorporating recycled materials wherever practical.
By maintaining a low cost per airframe, organizations can conduct larger-scale testing events, increase training repetitions, and employ expendable targets without placing unnecessary strain on program budgets.
Power System
The MAV-XT utilizes commonly available 18650 Lithium-Ion battery cells, eliminating dependence on proprietary battery packs and charging systems. Batteries and chargers can be sourced through a wide variety of commercial suppliers, simplifying logistics and sustainment.
Lithium-Ion technology offers enhanced safety compared to traditional Lithium Polymer batteries through integrated protective features that help mitigate the risk of thermal runaway and battery fires.
Additionally, Lithium-Ion cells provide exceptional energy density, enabling extended flight durations while maintaining a practical operational footprint. This design philosophy prioritizes endurance and mission persistence, making the MAV-XT well-suited for prolonged training and testing events.
Airframe
The MAV-XT features a highly efficient airframe architecture with a minimal component count to simplify manufacturing, maintenance, and field repairs.
The structure utilizes carbon fiber-reinforced, additively manufactured components that provide an excellent balance of strength, durability, and weight. Many components are produced using recycled materials, reducing environmental impact while maintaining operational performance.
Flight Control System
The MAV-XT supports multiple operational modes, including traditional radio control, autonomous mission execution through a ground control station, or a combination of both.
Mission profiles can be programmed and uploaded to the flight control system, allowing users to execute repeatable flight patterns for consistent testing and training scenarios.
When operating with the telemetry system, comprehensive flight data can be recorded and reviewed after each mission, providing valuable insight for performance evaluation, system development, and after-action analysis.
Payload
The standard MAV-XT configuration is delivered as a flight-ready target aircraft equipped with localization and telemetry capabilities. By eliminating onboard video systems when they are not required, users benefit from reduced complexity, improved security, and lower operating costs.
Optional payload configurations include:
• Traditional RGB FPV systems utilizing 5.8 GHz or 1.3 GHz analog video transmitters.
• High-definition RGB video systems with encrypted digital transmission capabilities.
• Mission-specific payload integrations available upon request, subject to aircraft performance and payload capacity limitations.
The MAV-XT's modular design allows customers to tailor the platform to specific testing, training, and operational requirements.
Elevate Your CUAS Training The MAV-XT empowers military units to counter evolving drone threats with confidence. From rapid deployment to swarm simulations, this platform delivers the tools needed to prepare for tomorrow’s challenges today.