SANFORD, Fla. - Hoverfly Technologies has announced the launch of the Hoverfly NEXUS (Network Extension of Unmanned Systems) capability after its successful deployment during Tough Stump Rodeo 2025. Designed to redefine operational efficiency in modern warfare, NEXUS extends MANET radio C2 networks and the operational range of uncrewed systems, delivering next-generation situational awareness, ISR, targeting, and lethality.
For years, Hoverfly has provided mission-critical, on-demand situational awareness for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and has secured itself as the official Variable Height Antenna (VHA) for the U.S. Army's Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) and NETT Warrior situational awareness tools. With the introduction of NEXUS, Hoverfly goes beyond extending tactical networks and ATAK data communications—now enabling a seamless integration of unmanned platforms across land, air, and sea.
Steve Walters, CEO of Hoverfly Technologies, said, "Our tethered UAS have already become essential tools for warfighters by significantly extending MANET radio networks. With the launch of NEXUS, we're taking the next step, allowing warfighters to extend the range of all uncrewed systems—whether they be UASs, UGVs, or USVs, and dramatically increase capabilities for ISR and targeting at the tactical edge."
This development aligns with the SecDef's announcement to prioritize drone dominance and American UAS Technology. Additionally, NEXUS is not exclusive to Hoverfly products—enabling cross-platform integrations from any number of unmanned technologies. The goal is to unite multiple unmanned technologies under a single command and control network, allowing a single Warfighter to deploy Hoverfly TeUAS, recon distant areas with free-flying drones, and dispatch loitering munitions or FPV UAS with unencumbered force multiplication.
At the Tough Stump Rodeo, Hoverfly demonstrated this turnkey solution with partner Teal Drones, integrating their Black Widow small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) into the NEXUS ecosystem and enabling extended flight communication via Hoverfly TeUAS. This collaboration comes as Teal Drones secures the U.S. Army's Short-Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record.
By integrating the Black Widow command and control into a UXV radio module and connecting this network control directly through the Hoverfly TeUAS, operators were able to achieve range extension of three to four times the typical flight range. With developments in extended battery life for SRRs and optimized antenna configurations, Hoverfly hopes to exceed ten times the standard range for these drones.
Hoverfly continues to work with Teal and Red Cat technologies to harmonize the operation of a fleet of unmanned systems extended from Hoverfly VHAs. Other collaborators include AV, Kutta Technologies, Doodle Labs, Ghost Robotics and many of the vehicle OEMs. As they progress to a Program of Record, Hoverfly is eager to redefine robotic ecosystems and advance the U.S. Military's goals of operational efficiency and enhanced lethality.
