Florida-based micro unmanned aerial system maker Prioria Robotics is partnering with Evergreen Unmanned Systems, division of Evergreen International Aviation, in a training and services endeavour, the companies announced in early June.
Evergreen will take the lead training and operations for Prioria's Maveric drone, a customisable, single-man launched and operable unmanned system. The aircraft features bendable carbon fibre wings, allowing it to be folded, transported in a tube and reassembled for flight in about two minutes.
Prioria has developed its own basic training programme for Maveric, but Evergreen will expand on it, adding the company's considerable in-theatre experience to develop client-specific training programs.
Evergreen also will manage service contracts for government and commercial clients seeking to rent UAV flying time.
The partnership draws on both companies existing strengths, said Prioria spokesman Derek Lyons, allowing Prioria to continue to focus on manufacturing and research and development while Evergreen continues to expand from manned aircraft services contracts into unmanned.
"We are very impressed with Evergreen and the capabilities they bring onboard," said Prioria CEO Bryan da Frota in a press release. "Evergreen has a long history of delivering aviation services to the government, military and commercial sectors throughout the world."
Based in Oregon, Evergreen International Aviation's holdings include an international cargo fleet of Boeing 747s; an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility; a full-service helicopter company; an aircraft ground-handling company; and an aircraft sales and leasing company.
Maveric is "ideal for commercial and civil applications such as humanitarian relief and supporting the border patrol," said Brian Whiteside, executive vice president of Evergreen Unmanned Systems. "We are excited by our partnership with Prioria Robotics to help bring this technology to a world wide commercial market."
Source: Flight International
