Granta Autonomy Secures $1.08M for Advanced Military Drone Tech

Reportedly, Granta Autonomy, a Lithuanian drone startup, has successfully raised €1 million ($1.08 million) in seed funding. This capital injection aims to accelerate the development and production of lightweight uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Hornet XR: A Game-Changer in Battlefield Recon

Granta Autonomy’s latest UAV, the Hornet XR, is designed for covert reconnaissance missions. Key features include:

• 3-hour electric flight duration
• 160 km (99.4 mi) range
• 1.6 m (62.9 in) wingspan
• 2.9 kg (6.3 lb) weight
• Hand-launched capability
• Autonomous operation in radio silence or GNSS-denied environments

Gediminas Guoba, founder and CEO of Granta Autonomy, emphasized the company’s commitment to battlefield-tested solutions: “Our team works directly with soldiers on the battlefield, testing our products and software in combat zones and collaborating on solutions that excel in the toughest conditions.”

Advanced Micro Gimbals and Digital Datalink

The company also develops proprietary micro gimbals and Digital Data Link (DDL) software:

• GS-214X and GS-218X micro gimbals: Lightest direct-drive gimbals on the market
• Daytime image capture up to 5 km (3.1 mi)
• Thermal camera capabilities for night missions
• DDL software ensures integration with most ground control station software

Funding and Future Plans

The seed round was led by ScaleWolf VC, with participation from Brolis Defence and HFL holdings. Edvinas Kerza, managing partner of ScaleWolf VC, stated: “Their innovative approach to developing surveillance and reconnaissance technology is second to none and has the potential to revolutionize the way armed forces manage complicated and multi-discipline reconnaissance missions.”

Granta Autonomy plans to use the funding to ramp up production capacity and continue developing their UAV systems, micro gimbals, and digital Datalink software.

DroneXL’s Take

The success of Granta Autonomy in securing this seed funding highlights the growing importance of advanced drone technology in modern military operations. As conflicts around the world continue to evolve, the demand for reliable, portable, and autonomous reconnaissance drones is likely to increase.

The Hornet XR’s capabilities, such as its extended flight time and ability to operate in challenging environments, could provide a significant tactical advantage to military forces. Furthermore, the company’s focus on battlefield-tested solutions and collaboration with active military personnel ensures that their products meet real-world operational needs.

As the drone industry continues to advance, we can expect to see more innovations in areas such as autonomous flight, advanced sensors, and secure communication systems. Companies like Granta Autonomy are at the forefront of these developments, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in military drone technology.

Photos courtesy of Granta Autonomy.