© Khaero.com K1000ULE Drone

The Blue UAS program is a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative created in August 2020 by the Defense Innovation Unit to identify drones that meet strict operational and security standards for government use. The program was developed in response to growing concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities, especially with drones manufactured in countries that the United States considers potential security risks. The goal was to give federal agencies and defense partners a streamlined process for procuring trusted platforms that meet both technical and cybersecurity requirements.

To be added to the Blue UAS list, a drone must have a DoD sponsor, demonstrate unique capabilities not already represented by existing platforms, and comply fully with Section 848 of the National Defense Authorization Act, which bans components from certain foreign countries. Every platform undergoes extensive cybersecurity testing, including verification of secure communications, encrypted data storage, and supply chain integrity. When the program launched, there were about ten approved drones from a small group of manufacturers. Today, the list has expanded to more than a dozen companies and a growing number of approved models.

Trusted Drone Manufacturers

While there are hundreds of commercial drone manufacturers operating across the United States, only a select few have achieved Blue UAS status. Among the original companies included were Skydio, Teal Drones, Anduril, Freefly Systems, and Flightwave. The vetting process remains rigorous, with multiple phases of review that end in an official designation, allowing defense agencies to purchase the approved systems without lengthy additional approvals.

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace Joins the Blue UAS List

One of the newest companies to achieve this designation is Kraus Hamdani Aerospace (KHA). Founded in 2016 by Fatema Hamdani, now CEO, and Stefan Kraus, now CTO, the company is headquartered in California. Since its inception, KHA has focused on advancing autonomous aerial systems that emphasize endurance, clean energy, and reduced logistical burdens. The company describes its mission as building “persistent airborne capability,” reflecting its focus on developing drones that can remain in the air far longer than conventional systems while delivering meaningful results for military and humanitarian operations alike.

The K1000ULE Drone

KHA’s latest success comes with the K1000ULE, the drone platform that was recently added to both the Blue UAS Cleared List and the Blue UAS Select List. The K1000ULE is a fixed-wing drone system that stands out for its size, weight, and endurance. Measuring nearly 10 feet in length with a wingspan of about 16 feet, the aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of just over 40 lbs. It operates as a fully electric system with the option of photovoltaic augmentation, making it a zero-emissions aircraft that can generate some of its own onboard power.

The endurance capabilities of the K1000ULE are among the most significant in its category. The drone can remain airborne for up to 24 hours and cover a range between 600 and 1,000 miles, depending on conditions. It cruises at approximately 35 to 46 mph and is capable of reaching operational ceilings up to 20,000 feet. Its design allows for takeoffs and landings without the need for traditional runways. The drone is also built with open architecture, enabling easy integration of payloads, and can be operated by a small three-person team. “This achievement validates the aircraft and the complete autonomy and software stack behind it,” said Mr. Kraus.

“It is secure, interoperable, and field-proven with the Army, Navy, MARSOC, and allied forces. We are ready to meet the DoD’s call for scalable operational autonomy today.” – Mr. Kraus

Clean Energy and Autonomy

KHA’s website states that the K1000ULE is “the world’s longest endurance fully electric zero-emissions autonomous unmanned aircraft in its size and weight category (Group-2 UAS).” The company further describes the aircraft as “mimicking nature” by utilizing onboard artificial intelligence to “silently glide through the air like a bird while generating clean energy in flight.” This combination of endurance, autonomy, and sustainability makes the K1000ULE a unique addition to the Blue UAS program.

Expanding the Blue UAS Program

By earning a place on the Blue UAS lists, KHA not only joins a select group of companies but also demonstrates how the next generation of uncrewed systems is evolving. The inclusion of the K1000ULE underscores how the Blue UAS program continues to expand with systems that bring new value to defense operations. For KHA, it marks an important milestone in advancing clean, long-endurance flight, while for the DoD, it provides another proven and secure option for missions where persistence and reliability are essential.

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