For tasks within the framework of the “1st Multi-Domain Task Force”, the US Army (-> current news about the US armed forces) for almost 20 million euros from Kraus Hamdani Aerospace solar-powered drones of the type K1000ULE. The emission-free system flies longer than any other electric aircraft in its size and weight class.
In 2023, the “Class 2” drone – according to the US military classification, this includes UAVs weighing between 9.5 kilograms (21lb) and 25 kilograms (55lb) – completed a world record endurance flight of 75 hours and 53 minutes.
The UAV recognizes and uses environmental conditions such as updrafts completely independently with its sensors in order to gain altitude without consuming energy.
With a wide range of payloads, the UAV can carry out both imaging reconnaissance and signal reconnaissance. It can also be used as a relay for mobile, voice or data radio networks. The UAV can also operate autonomously independent of runways and in anti-access/area denial and GPS-disturbed environments.
What is a Multi-Domain Task Force?
According to the US Army, the Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) should be put together depending on the requirements of the respective operational area. In an emergency, this can be a robustly armed unit (see diagram above).
In the Chief of Staff Paper, the US Army describes the MDTF as “maneuver elements in the operational space designed to synchronize precision effects and precision fires in all domains against adversary Antiaccess/Area Denial (A2/AD) networks and enable forces to execute their missions as defined in the Operational Plan (OPLAN)”.
The “1st Multi-Domain Task Force” is headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State and is subordinate to the US Army Pacific.
According to the US Army, the “2nd Multi-Domain Task Force” will be stationed in Germany and will focus on supporting the European theater of operations from 2026.
Here for more news about the US armed forces and here to our drone topic area with all the latest news on the subject.
