Penguin Mk3 Drone

Full Specifications

Redwire Penguin Mk3 VTOL: Next-Gen Tactical ISR Drone

The Redwire Penguin Mk3 VTOL represents the cutting edge of tactical, small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) engineered explicitly for modern contested battlefields. Originally developed under the UAV Factory lineage and now a flagship defense platform for Florida-based Redwire Corporation, this Group 3 / NATO Class I small UAS is purpose-built to execute persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition (RSTA) missions. Optimized for operators requiring an agile footprint, the Penguin Mk3 completely eliminates the need for runways, pneumatic catapult launchers, or bulky recovery infrastructure, making it highly suitable for rapid expeditionary deployment by a minimal footprint crew.

High-Endurance Performance and Architecture

At the heart of the Penguin Mk3 VTOL is a sophisticated, twin-tail boom, high-wing composite airframe optimized for aerodynamic efficiency and multi-mission flexibility. Powered by an advanced electronic fuel-injected (EFI) internal combustion engine driving a pusher propeller for cruise flight, the platform achieves a maximum level speed exceeding 60 knots and a sustained cruise speed of over 45 knots. For vertical flight, integrated electric lift rotors enable seamless, fully autonomous vertical takeoff and landing operations from unimproved, tight terrains.

The drone boasts an exceptional endurance profile for a platform under 110 pounds, remaining airborne for up to 14 hours depending on the payload configuration. It features a line-of-sight communication range extending up to 180 kilometers (112 miles), secured via high-bandwidth Silvus S-band or C-band digital data links.

Modular Payloads and Cost Efficiency

The Penguin Mk3 VTOL features a highly adaptable modular architecture with multiple payload bays in both the fuselage and wings, supported by an onboard generator supplying 200W of continuous power. It typically flies gyro-stabilized electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) gimbals like the Epsilon series, which feature advanced object tracking and moving target indicators (MTI). To combat severe environmental operational environments, the system features a heated pitot tube and specialized internal battery heaters. With over 250 Penguin series units field-proven in high-intensity European conflicts, an entire tactical system—including aircraft, a portable dual-touchscreen Ground Control Station (GCS), and tracking antennas—carries an approachable unit cost estimated between $250,000 and $400,000, presenting a highly cost-effective tactical asset for military and federal law enforcement agencies.