Lumenier Platforms Receive Army Aviation Airworthiness Release and Qualification Certification

TAMPA, FL — Lumenier, a leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) manufacturing and defense technology development, proudly announces that four of its unmanned platforms have received an official Airworthiness Release (AWR) from the U.S. Army Aviation Engineering Directorate (AED). This milestone confirms that these aircraft have satisfied stringent airworthiness requirements, qualifying them for operation within Army Aviation units.

The approved aircraft systems include:

• Lumenier LightHawk Defender 35
• Lumenier LightHawk Defender 5
• Lumenier NightHawk AttriX10
• Lumenier LightHawk LithiX10

These platforms now meet the airworthiness qualification criteria set by the U.S. Army, enabling deployment across a broad range of operational scenarios—including ISR, logistics, disaster relief, and battlefield support missions.

Achieving Army Aviation Airworthiness Qualification Through Rigorous Process

The airworthiness process is coordinated by the Army Aviation Engineering Directorate (AED), part of the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC) at Redstone Arsenal. AED is responsible for assessing and validating aircraft—both manned and unmanned aircraft systems—to ensure safety of flight, survivability, and operational reliability.

"This airworthiness certification demonstrates that our aircraft are engineered to meet and exceed the Army’s safety and operational standards," said Chad Daring, Business Development at Lumenier. "Our goal has always been to support the army with dependable, mission-ready platforms, and this approval from the aviation engineering directorate substantiates our commitment."

Each aircraft underwent rigorous evaluation, including configuration assessment, mission equipment integration, and demonstration flights under controlled envelope conditions. These tests ensured compliance with maintenance requirements, prescribed limits, electromagnetic compatibility, usage patterns, and survivability standards applicable to Army aircraft.

 

Meeting the Needs of the Modern Fleet with Vertical UAS Innovation

All four systems now officially qualify for operation under Army Aviation guidance and are authorized for integration into the Army’s fleet. These aircraft are engineered with military-grade hardware, modular mission equipment, and cots equipment adaptability to support a wide spectrum of defense and department of defense (DoD) use cases.

Lumenier’s approved aircraft include:

• LightHawk Defender 35 – Built for mid-range ISR and perimeter security with modular payload support and vertical takeoff capabilities.
• LightHawk Defender 5 – A compact quadcopter ideal for urban environments, recon missions, and survivability equipment deployment.
• NightHawk AttriX10 – Specially designed for covert night ISR operations with EO/IR sensor packages and electromagnetic resilience.
• LightHawk LithiX10 – A high-lift platform for logistics and sensor operations, offering advanced sustainment capability and extended flight time.

All systems were assessed using validated analyses, field tests, and engineering center oversight to ensure they met Army certification protocols. As a result, they are now eligible for full Army operational use and procurement pathways.

 

Airworthiness Qualification: A Strategic Step Forward

Receiving the Airworthiness Release is more than a technical formality—it is a strategic enabler. Lumenier now supports the Army Aviation and Missile Directorate, aviation engineering directorate, and systems readiness directorate (SRD) with platforms that enhance readiness, increase asset utility, and reduce the time from installation to active deployment.

"This release isn’t just about approval—it’s about enabling the Army to operate with confidence," said Daring. "It reflects our dedication to data management, rapid integration, and the ability to adapt to specification changes under field conditions."

As unmanned vertical lift capabilities evolve, this AWR expands how rotorcraft-based systems can serve tactical and humanitarian missions alike—supporting the DoD, allied forces, and defense contractors in both traditional and asymmetric operations.

Lumenier’s ability to rapidly establish, modify, and scale UAS platforms sets it apart in a competitive market increasingly reliant on documentation, sustainability, and applicable mission flexibility.

 

About Lumenier

Lumenier is an American manufacturer and defense technology innovator specializing in unmanned aircraft systems for tactical, commercial, and industrial applications. Known for high-quality production, rapid prototyping, and commitment to the industry, Lumenier’s aircraft are used globally across special operations, government agencies, and defense contracting.

For editorial inquiries or product demonstrations, please contact:

Chad Daring
Business Development, Lumenier
📧 chad@lumenier.com
🌐 www.lumenier.com