Cost-effective fixed-wing drones designed for commercial deployment, offering dependable performance with optimized operational costs.

Applied Aeronautics overview

Applied Aeronautics is a U.S.-based unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) manufacturer and consulting firm committed to making high-performance, long-range aerial solutions accessible to organizations around the world. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company designs, develops, and manufactures its systems in-house—ensuring full control over quality, reliability, and innovation.

With a focus on military, industrial, and research applications, Applied Aeronautics brings advanced UAS capabilities to customers who need range, endurance, and precision without the prohibitive cost often associated with professional-grade aircraft.

Our Vision and Purpose

At the core of Applied Aeronautics is a simple belief: cutting-edge aerial technology should be both capable and attainable. The company was founded to bridge the gap between high-performance unmanned systems and real-world budget constraints.

By blending state-of-the-art engineering with a design-to-cost manufacturing philosophy, Applied Aeronautics delivers solutions that empower customers to achieve more—from complex ISR missions to long-duration research flights and rapid disaster response.

When the company says “your mission is our mission,” it reflects a deep commitment to supporting every customer’s success through dependable technology, expert guidance, and responsive, mission-driven service.

Our Values

Innovation and Engineering Excellence

Applied Aeronautics consistently pushes the boundaries of UAV technology, developing solutions that prioritize range, endurance, and adaptability.

Accessibility and Affordability

The company ensures that advanced drone capabilities remain attainable, offering high-performance systems without unnecessary cost barriers.

Customer-Centric Commitment

Every project is backed by dedicated support, tailored training, and personalized consultations, ensuring customers are fully equipped for mission success.

What We Build

Applied Aeronautics specializes in long-range, fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems designed for operational flexibility across a broad spectrum of industries. All aircraft are engineered for customization—from payload integration to communications, autonomy, and software adaptability—making each system suitable for anything from scientific research to emergency response and defense operations.

While the company is best known for developing cost-effective platforms with exceptional endurance, the focus remains on delivering complete, mission-ready solutions rather than individual components.

The Albatross: A High-Level Overview

Though not the center of this About section, the Albatross UAV represents the company’s philosophy in action. Introduced in 2014, it set a new standard by combining long-range performance, multi-hour endurance, and advanced capabilities at a fraction of typical industry costs.

Trusted in more than 50 countries, the platform demonstrates how accessibility, engineering excellence, and open-architecture design can come together to produce a system fit for research, emergency management, infrastructure inspections, and ISR operations.

Its open-source flexibility—powered by integration with PX4 and custom payload options—means customers can configure the aircraft to precisely match mission demands, turning it from a standard UAV into a purpose-built aerial tool.

Our Mission Going Forward

Applied Aeronautics stands at the intersection of innovation, accessibility, and real-world impact. The company’s mission is to continue delivering unmanned systems that combine breakthrough performance with practical affordability—ensuring that customers not only achieve their goals, but exceed them.

Through engineering leadership, customer-focused support, and an unwavering dedication to reliability, Applied Aeronautics remains committed to helping organizations across the globe take on their most demanding missions with confidence.