PDW integrates Booz Allen autonomy software on its AM drones

Performance Drone Works (PDW) announced the integration of Booz Allen Hamilton's (NYSE: BAH) mission autonomy software, powered by Shield AI's Hivemind, onto its AM (Attritable Multirotor) drone platform, according to a company press release dated Oct. 9, 2026.

The software is designed to support autonomy-assisted mission execution, allowing operators to carry out parts of a mission workflow with reduced manual input while retaining decision-making authority. PDW is also integrating Booz Allen's secure, over-the-air fleet update product across its aircraft portfolio.

The combined hardware and software product entered controlled testing on Sept. 30 and is planned for general availability in the first quarter of 2027. PDW and Booz Allen also plan to extend the mission autonomy software to PDW's C100 drone in 2027.

Booz Allen's fleet update product is designed to allow authorized teams to deploy software, manage configurations, and monitor aircraft across distributed fleets, including in environments with limited or disrupted connectivity. The company says the system is intended to reduce software update cycles from weeks or months to hours.

PDW's AM drone is described as a Group 1 unmanned aircraft system capable of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, payload delivery, and attritable strike roles. The company manufactures drones at its 90,000-square-foot Huntsville, Alabama facility, which has a stated annual production capacity of 100,000 units.

"The advantage will belong to the force that can field, adapt, and scale unmanned and autonomous systems fastest," said James Slider, CEO of PDW.

PDW is scheduled to hold meetings with customers, partners, and media at the AUSA 2026 conference, Oct. 12–14 in Washington, D.C.

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