Arthur McMiler 
- PDW is integrating Booz Allen’s mission autonomy software on its AM drones
- The autonomy software-powered AM drone is expected to be generally available by early 2027
- Booz Allen’s mission autonomy software is powered by Shield AI’s Hivemind technology
Performance Drone Works, or PDW, is incorporating Booz Allen Hamilton’s mission autonomy software into its Attritable Multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle, a Group 1 drone meant to perform reusable and attritable roles. PDW said Friday that the purpose of the integration is to reduce the cognitive burden on the aircraft’s operator while preserving human decision-making during a mission.
The autonomy-driven AM drone is expected to become generally available in the first quarter of 2027. PDW and Booz Allen intend to extend the autonomy software onto the C100 drone next year as well.
“The Department of War needs autonomy that works at the pace of the mission,” said Randy Yamada, vice president and autonomy lead in Booz Allen’s defense technology business. “Booz Allen’s autonomy software gives unmanned aircraft onboard mission behaviors that help reduce operator burden and keep teams focused on mission outcomes,” Yamada noted.
Booz Allen’s over-the-air fleet update product will also be integrated into PWD’s aircraft portfolio. The product works to enable the deployment and configuration of software onto a fleet of aircraft from a common control point. The product also works to enable aircraft monitoring.
What Technology Powers Booz Allen’s Autonomy Software?
The mission autonomy software being provided by Booz Allen for the AM drone is powered by Hivemind from Shield AI. Hivemind was used earlier this year aboard an L3Harris Green Wolf launched effects system during a live test of the Distributed Spectrum Collaboration and Operations, or DiSCO, electromagnetic battle management ecosystem. During the test, Hivemind commanded the Green Wolf using threat data supplied by DiSCO and autonomously redirected follow-on unmanned systems through a safe operating zone.
How Does the Deal Build on Booz Allen’s Investment in PDW?
Booz Allen invested in PDW in April to scale U.S. drone production, contributing expertise in autonomy, artificial intelligence and digital engineering. PDW’s 90,000-square-foot Drone Factory 01 in Huntsville is designed to turn out 100,000 drones annually.
The software update stems from Booz Allen’s March 2025 pact pairing its mission engineering with Shield AI’s Hivemind Enterprise platform.
“Through our work with Booz Allen, operators gain advanced autonomy at the point of decision and a faster path to updated fielded aircraft as missions change,” said PDW CEO James Slider.
