Parallel Flight Technologies soared high in 2024, with ample accolades to show for it. Specializing in the production of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Parallel Flight has been working diligently to advance their Firefly aircraft, designed to carry a 100-pound payload for up to 100 minutes at full capacity—approximately 10 times longer than comparable all-electric systems. The Santa Cruz Works team has reported extensively on the marvelous feats of this futuristic, borderline legendary machine, hailed as the “Hercules of drones” by none other than Doug Erickson.

This technology can be utilized in various scenarios, including wildfire response, medical and remote logistics, agricultural operations, utility support, and essential defense missions. In fact, the company was born out of the firsthand experiences of local residents who recognized the urgent need to address the wildfires that ravaged the Santa Cruz Mountains in 2020. Who can say how this technology might help combat future climate crises?

Let’s look into some of their impressive accomplishments from the previous year, which will surely set the stage for a prosperous 2025!

1. The company completed USDA Coop P1 by integrating and powering a ballistic bait spreader onto the Firefly aircraft. They have also secured orders with deposits for six aircraft exceeding $1.1 million in value.

2. Parallel Flight completed tranche 1 of the DoD’s National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) contract, worth $1 million, and was awarded a second tranche of $2 million in non-dilutive funding.

3. The team demonstrated Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) capability at 150 miles and established powertrain reliability with 200 hours Time Between Overhaul (TBO).

4. They entered a paid contract with Arete and the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to utilize the Firefly for maritime littoral surveillance, with a demonstration conducted in August 2024 at Camp Pendleton.

5. The company completed the first two of seven milestones for NSIC tranche 2 and set multiple records for flight time versus payload performance.

With record-setting achievements under their belt and an action-packed year behind them, Parallel Flight Technologies is proving to be a leader in the future of unmanned aerial systems. As they enter 2025, their continued advancements promise to push the boundaries of aerial technology and “expand what’s possible” for innovative climate solutions.