Performance Drone Works

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is a defense technology company specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of advanced drone systems and autonomous robotics. The firm develops full-stack drone solutions, including high-performance unmanned aerial systems (UAS) like the C100 multi-mission quadcopter and AM-FPV systems, along with mission planning software (PDW CORE) and simulator technology (PDW SIM). These solutions are purpose-built for large-scale combat and crisis response, providing capabilities such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), payload delivery, and tactical operations for military, government, and public safety entities. PDW emphasizes agile manufacturing with a U.S.-based, compliant supply chain to deliver robust and resilient systems for front-line forces.

The origins of Performance Drone Works trace back to the Drone Racing League (DRL), where its founders honed expertise in high-performance drone technology. Recognizing the potential military applications of these advanced systems, key leadership, engineering, and software team members from DRL officially formed Performance Drone Works in 2018, reincorporating in 2020 with a strategic pivot to defense. The company has since focused on addressing the demand for American-made, military-grade quadcopters tailored for warfighters, integrating advanced ISR and autonomous capabilities into their offerings. The firm is backed by RSE Ventures, co-founded by Stephen M. Ross and PDW co-founder Matt Higgins.

As a company that receives investments, Performance Drone Works has successfully secured significant funding rounds to fuel its growth and product development. Notable funding includes an $8.6 million seed round, a $16.4 million Series A led by Squadra Ventures, and a substantial Series B funding round of over $110 million led by Ondas Holdings. These investments have enabled PDW to expand its product offerings, strengthen engineering capabilities, and scale the production of its modular military drones, including the establishment of Drone Factory 01 in Huntsville, Alabama, with a capacity to produce a high volume of advanced drone systems annually.

The team at Performance Drone Works is characterized by a strong foundation of military experience and engineering expertise. Many of its leaders and employees are veterans, bringing insights forged on the battlefield directly into the development of their elite capabilities. The company prides itself on building world-class drone operators through rigorous training programs led by certified master trainers, including former Drone Racing League and law enforcement pilots. This blend of operational experience, technical prowess, and a commitment to innovation positions PDW at the forefront of combat robotics and autonomous systems development.