Oshkosh Defense Signs On to Build Grid Aero's Lifter, With No Pentagon Order Disclosed
Oshkosh Defense will help industrialize Grid Aero's Lifter cargo drone, its first aircraft. The companies disclosed no contract value, quantity or customer, and a pilot line is about a year out.
The partnership pairs a small drone developer with Wisconsin manufacturing capacity while leaving a funded Pentagon purchase undisclosed.
Oshkosh Defense will help industrialize Grid Aero's Lifter cargo drone under a partnership the companies announced Nov. 2. Their release assigns Oshkosh design for manufacturing and supply-chain work ahead of production in Wisconsin. It lists no contract value, aircraft quantity or customer. Lifter would be Oshkosh's first aircraft, Defense News reported. The outlet described Oshkosh as technically a subcontractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will Oshkosh Defense do for Grid Aero?
The companies' release lists design for manufacturability, production planning, supply chain optimization and, ultimately, building Lifter aircraft at scale in Wisconsin.
Has the Pentagon ordered Lifter?
The release discloses no order, value or quantity. Oshkosh's Logan Jones told the Washington Examiner that congressional funding is the "wild card."
Is Lifter in the Massed Modular Aircraft competition?
Air & Space Forces Magazine reported, citing sources, that Grid Aero is among seven companies competing. It said on Oct. 5 that it is unclear whether Lifter Lite or another design is the entry.
Has Lifter flown?
Air & Space Forces Magazine said on Oct. 5 that Lifter Lite had not made its first flight. Grid Aero has said an FAA certificate enabled flight testing.
When could production start?
Grid Aero CEO Arthur Dubois told Breaking Defense he expects a pilot line at Oshkosh in roughly a year, after six to 12 more months of testing.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.