Agilis Air Secures $1.4 Million to Advance Drone Technologies and Autonomy in Ohio
In a significant boost for drone technology, Agilis Air Inc., an innovative manufacturer based in Youngstown, Ohio, has announced the successful acquisition of $1.4 million in early funding. The infusion of capital positions the company advantageously within the expanding market for unmanned aerial systems. Notably, Agilis is backed by prominent supporters including AgEagle Aerial Systems (NYSE: UAVS), North Coast Ventures, and Vici Capital, among others, including esteemed advisors like retired General John 'Mike' Murray.
Agilis Air's core focus is on developing low-cost, American-made drones, specifically their flagship product, the Remora ARQ. This cutting-edge drone is engineered for reconnaissance and tactical missions, retailing at an impressive price point of $1,250 per unit—significantly less than average industry costs. Each Remora is ready to ship within three weeks of order, meeting strict compliance standards to ensure it aligns with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The company’s entry into the U.S. Army's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Marketplace marks a historic milestone, as the Remora drone is now available for purchase directly by military units and government entities. This initiative reflects the Pentagon’s renewed focus on integrating small drones as a pivotal element of its national defense strategy, highlighted by the $1.1 billion Drone Dominance Program aimed at procuring thousands of domestic drones. Notably, Agilis has successfully secured a place in the highest tier of the UAS Marketplace, setting itself apart with robust NDAA compliance.
Yon Raz-Fridman, Agilis Air's co-founder and executive chairman, articulates the vision behind this endeavor: ‘America invented flight in Ohio, and Ohio is where America’s drone industrial base should be rebuilt. The next-generation deterrence belongs to whoever can deploy autonomous aircraft at ammunition prices—built here, not imported.’ This vision is deeply rooted in the existing aerospace ecosystem of Northeast Ohio, which boasts over 4,000 suppliers and a skilled workforce.
The company’s leadership team is highlighted by CEO Shawn Theiss, a pioneer in unmanned aerial vehicle design with extensive experience in delivering over 40 federal contracts. Theiss emphasizes the practicality of the Remora platform, offering a user-friendly and reliable flying experience tailored for defense operations.
Moreover, Agilis is innovating beyond just the manufacturing of its drone airframes; they are investing in onboard autonomy systems capable of operating in GPS-denied environments and creating an intelligent software framework designed to integrate seamlessly within the Army’s broader unmanned systems network. This approach ensures that Agilis is more than just a hardware vendor—it’s evolving to become a significant player in the autonomy space.
‘The Pentagon has made its demands clear: affordable, attritable drones that are manufactured domestically at scale,’ states Todd Federman, Managing Director of North Coast Ventures. This focus on cost-effective drone production is bolstered by Agilis’ agile manufacturing processes based in Northeast Ohio, where the local supply chain and skilled labor force provide a competitive advantage.
The funding acquired will fuel the ramped-up production of the Remora platform at Agilis' facility and help complete necessary certifications as they fulfill military contracts. Early development support from local organizations, such as the Youngstown Business Incubator, has been crucial in bringing Agilis's vision to life.
Agilis Air is pioneering the future of defense technology in Ohio, creating advanced unmanned systems that are all-American and NDAA-compliant. The Remora platform is part of Agilis's commitment to producing low-cost, versatile drones designed for modern military applications. The company, co-founded by experienced industry leaders, aims to significantly enhance the U.S. defense drone capability.
For further information, the founders of Agilis are available for interviews, and the company is open to facility visits and flight demonstrations in Youngstown, showcasing their innovative Remora drone technology.
Agilis Air's core focus is on developing low-cost, American-made drones, specifically their flagship product, the Remora ARQ. This cutting-edge drone is engineered for reconnaissance and tactical missions, retailing at an impressive price point of $1,250 per unit—significantly less than average industry costs. Each Remora is ready to ship within three weeks of order, meeting strict compliance standards to ensure it aligns with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The company’s entry into the U.S. Army's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Marketplace marks a historic milestone, as the Remora drone is now available for purchase directly by military units and government entities. This initiative reflects the Pentagon’s renewed focus on integrating small drones as a pivotal element of its national defense strategy, highlighted by the $1.1 billion Drone Dominance Program aimed at procuring thousands of domestic drones. Notably, Agilis has successfully secured a place in the highest tier of the UAS Marketplace, setting itself apart with robust NDAA compliance.
Yon Raz-Fridman, Agilis Air's co-founder and executive chairman, articulates the vision behind this endeavor: ‘America invented flight in Ohio, and Ohio is where America’s drone industrial base should be rebuilt. The next-generation deterrence belongs to whoever can deploy autonomous aircraft at ammunition prices—built here, not imported.’ This vision is deeply rooted in the existing aerospace ecosystem of Northeast Ohio, which boasts over 4,000 suppliers and a skilled workforce.
The company’s leadership team is highlighted by CEO Shawn Theiss, a pioneer in unmanned aerial vehicle design with extensive experience in delivering over 40 federal contracts. Theiss emphasizes the practicality of the Remora platform, offering a user-friendly and reliable flying experience tailored for defense operations.
Moreover, Agilis is innovating beyond just the manufacturing of its drone airframes; they are investing in onboard autonomy systems capable of operating in GPS-denied environments and creating an intelligent software framework designed to integrate seamlessly within the Army’s broader unmanned systems network. This approach ensures that Agilis is more than just a hardware vendor—it’s evolving to become a significant player in the autonomy space.
‘The Pentagon has made its demands clear: affordable, attritable drones that are manufactured domestically at scale,’ states Todd Federman, Managing Director of North Coast Ventures. This focus on cost-effective drone production is bolstered by Agilis’ agile manufacturing processes based in Northeast Ohio, where the local supply chain and skilled labor force provide a competitive advantage.
The funding acquired will fuel the ramped-up production of the Remora platform at Agilis' facility and help complete necessary certifications as they fulfill military contracts. Early development support from local organizations, such as the Youngstown Business Incubator, has been crucial in bringing Agilis's vision to life.
About Agilis Air Inc.
Agilis Air is pioneering the future of defense technology in Ohio, creating advanced unmanned systems that are all-American and NDAA-compliant. The Remora platform is part of Agilis's commitment to producing low-cost, versatile drones designed for modern military applications. The company, co-founded by experienced industry leaders, aims to significantly enhance the U.S. defense drone capability.
For further information, the founders of Agilis are available for interviews, and the company is open to facility visits and flight demonstrations in Youngstown, showcasing their innovative Remora drone technology.
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