In the wake of the Army’s retirement of the RQ-7B Shadow drone, one platoon is reshaping how small units approach modern warfare.
Hawkeye Platoon of the 173rd Airborne Brigade has seized this moment to innovate from within—building, customizing, and deploying tactical drones using 3D printing and commercial technology.
Pioneering a New Chapter in Army Drone Use
During Agile Spirit 25, a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led multinational exercise in Georgia, Hawkeye Platoon showcased its transition from traditional drone operators to battlefield technologists.
With support from brigade-level funding, the platoon integrated a hybrid fleet: commercial FPV (first-person view) drones and PDW C100s—each offering unique operational advantages.
This transformation marks a strategic pivot. Where once the Army relied on larger, legacy systems, it now tests scalable, soldier-built technology with real combat potential.
From Ground Up: FPVs Reinvent Lethality
Unlike legacy platforms, FPV drones offer flexibility and affordability. Built in-house by soldiers using 3D-printed parts and off-the-shelf components, each system costs roughly $400 to $500 and can be constructed in just a few hours.
“An infantry platoon should be stacked up with FPV drones,” said Staff Sgt. Andy Ortiz, master drone trainer. “They’re cheap, easy to build and can close the kill chain fast.”
While these drones require line-of-sight operation and advanced flying skills, once mastered, they provide a tactical edge—delivering simulated munitions directly to targets in seconds.
PDW C100 Adds Strategic Reach
Complementing the short-range FPV drones, the PDW C100 fills a different role. With autonomous flight capabilities, a 10-kilometer range, and up to 74 minutes of air time, it can transport medical supplies or conduct reconnaissance in areas unreachable by foot or traditional aircraft.
According to Platoon Sergeant Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Daniels, the C100
“can upload a mission, complete it autonomously and return, even in mountainous terrain.”
Tactical Drone Profiles and Use Cases
| Drone Type | Range | Role | Build/Cost | Operator Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FPV (Custom) | ~1 km (LOS) | Direct strike, recon | $400–$500 / In-house | Manual flight, high skill |
| PDW C100 | Up to 10 km | Supply drops, autonomous recon | Commercial purchase | Pre-programmed, low interaction |
These two systems work in tandem, offering commanders mission flexibility depending on terrain, distance, and objective.
Mobile Innovation: The Tech Lab at the Front
A critical aspect of Hawkeye Platoon’s success lies in its mobile fabrication lab.
This forward-deployed workshop enables soldiers to:
-
3D print replacement parts and modular payloads
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Simulate explosive effects
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Repair drones rapidly in the field
This decentralized, adaptable model eliminates traditional logistical delays, empowering platoons to self-sustain their aerial capabilities.
Training for Scalability and Sustainability
Training is designed to scale across the brigade. A “train-the-trainer” model ensures that once drone manufacturers certify key noncommissioned officers, internal training cascades throughout the unit.
Soldiers not only learn how to operate drones—they learn to build, fix, and teach others.
“Even a beginner can build it in four hours,” Ortiz noted, emphasizing accessibility. “Once trained, you speed up the kill chain.”
Live-Fire Validation at Agile Spirit 25
Agile Spirit 25 provided a realistic test bed. The multinational exercise created an operational environment where drone setups could be validated under combat-like conditions.
From simulated strikes to autonomous resupply, the platoon demonstrated how its integrated drone strategy could reshape future battlefield operations.
These field tests reinforce how rapidly adaptable drone technologies can support joint missions, reinforce unit agility, and meet evolving threats.
A Parting Shot
The Army’s shift toward small, uncrewed aerial systems is not just a matter of efficiency—it reflects a broader transformation in battlefield doctrine.
Hawkeye Platoon exemplifies how unit-level innovation, empowered by low-cost tech and field-based expertise, can drive large-scale change.
Sources: US Department of Defense.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
