U.S. Unveils Futuristic Tricopter During Egypt Drills
The U.S. military has unveiled a new small unmanned aircraft system during multinational drills in Egypt.
According to the U.S. Air Force, the 1st Special Operations Wing launched the Edge 130 Blue small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) during BRIGHT STAR 25 at Talet Al Keif, Egypt, on August 30, 2025. The demonstration highlighted the drone’s long-range endurance and advanced capabilities designed for government and military use.
The Edge 130 Blue is described as a military-grade tricopter capable of vertical takeoff and landing, hovering, and forward flight. Weighing just 1,200 grams, it can remain airborne for more than two hours in forward flight mode, giving it what developers call an industry-leading endurance among Blue UAS-approved platforms.
The aircraft is built to provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support across a variety of operational settings. With its ability to fly in winds up to 40 miles per hour and its quick assembly—requiring only one minute and a single operator—the Edge 130 Blue is designed for rapid deployment under field conditions.
The drone features three rotors, wings for forward flight efficiency, and modular payload options that can be swapped without tools. Approved for military and government use under the Blue UAS framework, the platform supports secure integration into existing defense systems.
The primary mission for the Edge 130 Blue is ISR, providing ground forces with real-time aerial imagery and situational awareness. Its lightweight construction and extended flight duration are expected to improve operational effectiveness, particularly in contested or complex environments.
By bridging the gap between short-range quadcopters and larger unmanned aircraft, the Edge 130 Blue may expand options for tactical surveillance while reducing logistical demands.
The demonstration at BRIGHT STAR 25, one of the region’s largest joint military exercises, underscored the Pentagon’s effort to integrate cutting-edge unmanned technologies into multinational operations. The exercise brought together U.S. and partner forces to test interoperability in demanding conditions, with the Edge 130 Blue debut marking one of the highlights of the event.