Nordic Wing has chosen Amprius’ high-energy-density SiCore silicon batteries for its ASTERO intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) fixed-wing drone.
According to Amprius, SiCore increases the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)’s flight endurance by 90 percent compared to standard batteries, allowing missions of up to four hours without added weight.
Extended flight times allow operators to monitor areas for longer, improving situational awareness and tactical flexibility.
SiCore also delivers consistent power in GPS-denied or electronically contested environments, supporting uninterrupted operations for the UAV.
“Amprius’ batteries have fundamentally changed how our drones operate in the field,” said Jonas Dyhr, founder of Nordic Wing.
“With a significant increase in flight time, our drones can stay airborne longer, cover more ground, and deliver real-time intelligence without interruptions,” stressed Dyhr.
Tom Stepien, president of Amprius Technologies, stated that “energy is rapidly becoming a critical factor in drone operations.”
“As mission requirements grow more complex, the need for lightweight, long-lasting, and dependable battery solutions continues to rise,” added Stepien.
ASTERO ISR
ASTERO ISR features advanced payloads, including a stabilized Nighthawk X80 camera and Nighthawk 2 UZ thermal sensor, providing high-resolution imaging for intelligence missions.
The UAV is equipped with combat-proven radio communications, featuring a long-range link of up to 45 kilometers (28 miles) and a short-range link of 12 kilometers (7.5 miles).
Two ground control stations, the T30 pilot terminal, and the T40 camera terminal allow operators to manage autonomous flight, thermal imaging, object tracking, and geolocation from a safe distance.
Additionally, the drone incorporates frequency jamming-resistant radios and active anti-jamming technology to counter GPS spoofing and electronic interference, providing uninterrupted command, control, and data transmission in contested environments.