Phenix Solutions completes Ultra 2XL flight-testing program

September 17, 2024

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Phenix Solutions is proud to announce the exciting results of their Ultra 2XL Heavy Lift UAS flight-test activities.  The Ultra 2XL UAS aircraft boasts tremendous performance achievements in both payload and range which are unmatched.  Phenix extends their sincere thanks to the Oregon UAS Accelerator and the Pendleton UAS Test Range for their support of their Ultra 2XL Test Flight Activities this summer in Pendleton, Oregon.

The success of the flight test operations is due to the team of highly skilled professionals extending well beyond the Phenix organization, which includes support from their DoD partners from the USAF Agility Prime Program as well as US Army test activities at Ft. Eustis, VA.  The breathtaking performance benchmarks achieved were due to our teammates’ outstanding contributions to the Ultra 2XL program at Eagle Technologies, who specialize in the high-performance rotor systems that deliver beyond the conventional.  Rolls Royce powers the Ultra 2XL, and their significant involvement in the program is greatly appreciated.  Phenix also thanks our friends and UAS experts at Northwest UAV in McMinnville, OR.  NWUAV provides tremendous support, sophisticated technical skills, and high-quality aviation parts manufacturing that greatly benefit the program, the aircraft, and our team.

Key Ultra 2XL Flight Test highlights include:

  • Completed over 100 safe flights
  • Confirmed aircraft center of gravity was as designed and validated
  • Confirmed aircraft mass properties conditions are favorable
  • Demonstrated automated engine start, control, and shut down
  • Demonstrated automated precision launch and recovery performance
  • Demonstrated stable hover and maneuvering in ground effect
  • Demonstrated stable hover and maneuvering out-of-ground effect
  • Demonstrated aircraft payloading at test conditions well over 600+ lbs.
  • Confirmed total external payload estimates as designed are valid
  • Demonstrated aircraft set up with 4 personnel in less than 20 minutes
  • Demonstrated air C2 and ATC reporting via ADS-B
  • Demonstrated C2 LOS and automated Aircraft Operation and Flight modes

President and CEO of Phenix Solutions, Brian Riese, commented on the results, “The capabilities of the Ultra 2XL aircraft are best summed up as ‘Simply Capable, Simply Rugged, and Simply Safe.’  As we reflect on the flight testing conducted here in Pendleton, Oregon, at the UAS Test Range, I can say that the Team is ‘Simply Satisfied’ with the results!”

The Ultra 2XL delivers against the promises envisioned at the outset of the program.  The validated platform sets a new benchmark in the Heavy Lift VTOL market that boast impressive performance delivering:

 Simply MORE Payload & Range – High efficiency rotor and exceptional power to weight propulsion system

Simply MORE Deployable – Uses fuel sources currently available in every corner of the world.

Simply MORE Economical – Low operating costs in comparison to other options

Simply MORE Reliable – Proven RR300 powerplant has more flight hours than nearly any other flight qualified powerplant

Simply MORE Sustainable – Aircraft design is not reliant upon any unique or unproven technology

Simply MORE Safe – Coaxial design eliminates the need for a tail rotor and affords autorotate capabilities

Simply MORE Autonomy – Fully programable control system utilizing mobile control center which is compatible with many systems already in use today.

Simply MORE Competencies– Flight simulator based pilot training is readily available for operators and crews making an easy, safe, and reliable training program for transition to UAS operations.

The Phenix Team is extremely grateful to all the contributors who demonstrated support for the Ultra 2XL aircraft and our flight-testing activities; these contributions have shown fantastic results.  Phenix’s future plans for the Ultra 2XL include several aircraft demonstration events for our DoD partners, international defense clients, and civil operator launch customers.  These demonstrations are focused events that will prove out the integration and test of a wide array of aerial mission equipment, payloads, and multi-mission capabilities.

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About Phenix Solutions, Inc.
Headquartered in McMinnville, Oregon, Phenix Solutions is a veteran-owned small business and non-traditional Defense Contractor building a reputation as a design, manufacturing, and certified leader for Heavy-Lift Unmanned Aerial Systems and equipment. Phenix Solutions targets certified products to meet both military and civilian needs in the UAS industry. Phenix has a focus on adaptive technology and a COTS-use strategy. Phenix Solutions is producing true multi-mission aerial systems that will significantly increase the safety and efficiency in the aviation sector, helping to save lives and property worldwide. For more information, please visit our website: www.phenixuas.com.