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U.S. Army Drone Sets 521-Minute Endurance Record

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 4:34 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Army Drone Record

The U.S. Army drone set an endurance record by flying 521 minutes 43 seconds at Edwards Air Force Base.
The record flight occurred during a “Game of Drones” event earlier this summer.
Two brushless DC motors were among the first produced at Tobyhanna Army Depot.
Tobyhanna opened a new drone-component manufacturing line in June 2026.
The Pentagon seeks domestic drones, and Col. Dustin Thomas warned China-dominated supply chains pose wartime risks.

Summary

Army Laser Destroys

The Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser destroyed 11 cartel drones in ten days, cutting drone activity by 75 %.
Each shot costs about $3, with the system valued between $17.4 million and $25 million.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford approved continued use after a safety review, saying it adds no risk to civilian aircraft.
In February, the laser caused a seven-hour airspace shutdown at El Paso International Airport over safety concerns.

History

Historical Context

DARPA’s 2005 Grand Challenge awarded Stanford’s Stanley a $2 million prize after it completed a desert course in just under seven hours, proving long-range autonomy. The 2007 Urban Challenge then required six teams, led by Carnegie Mellon’s Boss, to navigate traffic under a six-hour limit, advancing vehicle-to-vehicle decision-making. Those milestones underpin today’s Army drone endurance tests and Pentagon emphasis on domestic unmanned systems.

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Army Drone Record

The U.S. Army drone set an endurance record by flying 521 minutes 43 seconds at Edwards Air Force Base.
The record flight occurred during a “Game of Drones” event earlier this summer.
Two brushless DC motors were among the first produced at Tobyhanna Army Depot.
Tobyhanna opened a new drone-component manufacturing line in June 2026.
The Pentagon seeks domestic drones, and Col. Dustin Thomas warned China-dominated supply chains pose wartime risks.

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