Press Releases
Palm Springs Police Department Expands Drone Responder Program with MatrixSpace Radar Network
Largest US radar-enabled municipal coverage, eliminating human visual observers
Burlington, MA (April 1, 2025) – MatrixSpace, an intelligent sensor innovator, announced that the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) has expanded its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, establishing the largest first responder agency coverage area (37 square miles) monitored by radar sensors instead of humans in the United States.
The PSPD’s program expansion was made possible with multiple remote drone launch points across Palm Springs utilizing MatrixSpace’s low airspace awareness technology. This innovation has also supported the city’s application for a FAA No Visual Observer flight operations waiver to ensure the safe separation and avoidance of both general aviation and commercial aircraft.
Quote from Lieutenant William Hutchinson, operations lead at Palm Springs PD
“Taking this next step with MatrixSpace is a game-changer in terms of the speed, accuracy and efficiency it allows us to protect the Palm Springs public. Removing the need for a visual observer speeds up response time, dispatching drones in immediate response to incoming calls from multiple potential locations. Once we have our FAA waiver we can fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) with just a single operator, with the ability to fly at night and in inclement weather.”
DFR programs like PSPD’s can de-escalate incidents, improve search and rescue, assist with the location and apprehension of criminal suspects, and act as a force multiplier for law enforcement agencies. This use of drones demands reliable monitoring to prevent any possible interference with other air traffic, including flights from Palm Springs International Airport, medical flights, air tours of the local area, other general aviation aircraft and more. Air traffic detection alerts from the MatrixSpace system will allow PSPD pilots to fly safely clear of potential aircraft.

Palm Springs spans 95 square miles (246 square kilometers) with a population of approximately 46,000 and shares a boundary and cooperative jurisdiction with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Located in the greater Coachella Valley, which consists of nine separate jurisdictions with a combined population of approximately 470,000, Palm Springs is also a major tourist destination hosting nearly seven million visitors annually.
Large scale, low airspace radar sensor networks can also support the operation of future air services in communities like Palm Springs.
Continues Lt. Hutchinson, “This project is first and foremost a strategic investment in the safety of our citizens. But I’m excited to explore possibilities for its use in other applications that could benefit the greater Coachella Valley. Intelligent infrastructure such as this is foundational for potential coordinated regional public safety operations, as well as emerging concepts like air taxis and drone delivery.”
Quote from Lori DeMatteis, Chief Revenue Officer, MatrixSpace
“Palm Springs PD is at the forefront of fully utilizing DFR technologies to continually improve its capabilities. They also have a vision for scaling this beyond what other agencies have implemented, preparing for other operations which improve regional safety, and promote economic development. We’re excited to provide this kind of scalable technology that unlocks new possibilities both here in the US and beyond.”
Leveraging an industry-first connected network of MatrixSpace 360 Radars, a single PSPD pilot can remotely operate drones from any of three launch locations. To further extend operational capabilities, a network of ten MatrixSpace 360 Radar nodes was installed across the city in preparation for two additional PSPD drone launch sites, and future cooperation with neighboring public safety agencies.
MatrixSpace Radar is a small, high-performance sensor that offers robust situational awareness of both airborne and ground-based objects, including in low light and adverse weather conditions. The company’s sensors and artificial intelligence platform facilitate BVLOS flight operations for first responders and the commercial industry, and greater general aviation safety. The system also provides counter Unmanned Aircraft System (CUAS) detection and tracking capabilities.
Learn more about Palm Spring PD’s DFR program:
https://www.palmspringsca.gov/government/departments/police/operations-division/pspd-drone-program
HSWERX Awards MatrixSpace Radar for Advanced Air Awareness for Remote UAS Operations
Enables Department of Homeland Security to Monitor Large, Secure, Remote Locations with Drones
Niceville, FL and Burlington, MA (March 25, 2025) – HSWERX, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) innovation hub, awarded MatrixSpace Radar to provide advanced air detection to support uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) operations. The technology has potential applications across a variety of mission environments, including the DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency.

Due to the limitations of flying larger UAS in the National Airspace System (NAS), the project sought to identify small UAS (sUAS) with onboard sensors that meet Federal Aviation Administration guidelines for safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. Enabling smaller UAS (Group III and below) to operate safely in the NAS with BVLOS capabilities significantly enhances their ability to conduct comprehensive monitoring of secure, often large and remote locations. Due to its compact size and powerful detection capabilities, MatrixSpace Radar was selected as the onboard sensor, supporting BVLOS Detect and Avoid (DAA) operations.
Quote from HSWERX Program Manager, Christina Heard
“The DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency is tasked with securing a wide range of large, complex, often remote locations. To support this mission, CBP required a solution with powerful Detect and Avoid capabilities for flight operations. After a demonstration facilitated by HSWERX, CBP selected MatrixSpace Radar to advance BVLOS DAA technologies. After this initial integration phase, we are eager to move into sUAS payload packaging, flight testing, and data collection for the complete DAA system in support of CBP.”
Quote from Lori DeMatteis, Chief Revenue Officer at MatrixSpace
“This was a rigorous selection process with clear and demanding criteria. We are honored to have been chosen for this significant initiative and excited to demonstrate our capabilities to facilitate the challenging situations in which CBP and other agencies operate.”
MatrixSpace provides affordable, AI-enhanced sensor solutions for situational awareness, unlocking advanced, large-scale drone operations, and protecting infrastructure from security threats. Its solutions detect objects immediately with high degrees of accuracy, allowing for rapid response and countermeasures. Its products combine cutting-edge radar sensors with additional technologies and AI-edge processing to sense, detect, and classify objects in any outdoor situation while enabling comprehensive compliance reporting.
About HSWERX
HSWERX, a DEFENSEWERX Hub, is a non-profit organization, in partnership with the DHS S&T Technology Transfer & Commercialization Branch, which enables the rapid discovery, engagement, and acceleration of innovative solutions to secure the homeland. HSWERX serves as a catalyst to connect DHS stakeholders with subject matter experts from industry, academia, and national labs to solve challenging problems for DHS end users.
About MatrixSpace
MatrixSpace products allow customers to detect more and decide faster, in any type of outdoor environment. Our AI sensing can go anywhere, no cloud required. www.matrixspace.com
Advexure Partners with MatrixSpace to Enhance Industry-wide, Advanced Drone Solutions
Provides faster, more accurate detection at scale
Burlington, MA (February 4, 2025) – Advexure, one of the US's largest dealers, distributors and systems integrators for uncrewed drone systems and technology solutions, has partnered with MatrixSpace to enhance its customers' drone operations and perimeter security solutions.
The partnership combines Advexure’s deep expertise in complex solution delivery with MatrixSpace’s advanced AI-sensing radar technology, and increases the capabilities Advexure provides to its various public safety, infrastructure and utility customers.
Quote from Travis Waibel, CEO, Advexure
“Our clients demand some of the most advanced drone operations and low airspace monitoring to safely collect data, protect communities and better secure sensitive locations. MatrixSpace’s offering is unmatched in its level of precision, ease of use and affordability. This partnership opens new opportunities for our customers, providing levels of remote operation and site protection from unauthorized drones that were previously unachievable.”
Customer solutions enabled by the partnership will include precise and large-scale detect-and-alert (DAA) capabilities to support scalable drone-as-first-responder (DFR) programs, as well as other beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) applications such as remote infrastructure inspections and site security.

Quote from Lori DeMatteis, CRO, MatrixSpace
“Advexure is at the forefront of the commercial drone services industry, revolutionizing applications and introducing the deployment of its drone technologies across a wide range of industries. With its leading industry recognition for customer-first experiences, we look forward to partnering with Advexure to extend the scope, scale and efficiency of its solutions worldwide."
MatrixSpace provides affordable, AI-enhanced, sensor solutions for situational awareness to unlock advanced, large-scale drone operations and protect infrastructure from security threats. Its solutions detect objects immediately with high degrees of accuracy allowing for rapid response and counter-measures. Its products combine cutting-edge radar sensors coupled with additional technologies and AI edge processing to sense, detect, and classify objects in any outdoor situation while enabling comprehensive compliance reporting.
About Advexure
Founded in 2012, Advexure is one of North America's largest dealers, distributors, and systems integrators for uncrewed drone systems and technology solutions, offering drone equipment, unmatched technical service, and enterprise support resources, all backed by a team of unmanned system experts and specialists. www.advexure.com
About MatrixSpace
MatrixSpace products allow customers to detect more and decide faster, in any type of outdoor environment. Our AI sensing can go anywhere, no cloud required. www.matrixspace.com
Skyway and MatrixSpace Partner to Elevate Aerospace Navigation with Advanced Air Traffic and Drone Detection Solutions
Oakland, CA – January 28, 2025 – Skyway, a leading California-based vertiport development and operations company, and MatrixSpace, a pioneering AI-enabled sensing platform, have announced a strategic partnership to advance the integration of intelligent air traffic management and uncrewed aircraft detection systems. This collaboration aims to redefine safety, efficiency, and scalability in the rapidly evolving Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) sectors, setting a new standard for the aerospace navigation industry.
Skyway provides essential services to airline operators, eVTOL manufacturers, and commercial developers, including vertiport airspace and airfield management. By teaming up with MatrixSpace, Skyway will expand its current integration and leverage MatrixSpace Radar’s advanced AI-enabled sensing technology to enhance situational awareness in Skyway’s upcoming deployments. MatrixSpace’s radar systems enable precise detection, classification, and visualization of airborne and ground-based objects in real-time. This empowers Skyway's command center to respond to critical issues with greater speed and efficiency.
“Our partnership with MatrixSpace is a game-changer for vertiport operations, bringing an advanced level of detection no one else could provide,” said Clifford Cruz, CEO at Skyway. “Integrating their intelligent radar technology with our vertiport infrastructure will ensure safer, more reliable, and scalable operations for AAM, addressing critical needs in the aerospace and urban air mobility industries.”

As urban air mobility gains momentum, robust air traffic management solutions are critical. MatrixSpace’s cutting-edge radar systems — offering features like object detection, telemetry capture, and mesh network synchronization — will empower Skyway to manage vertiports with unprecedented precision. This capability supports Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, a cornerstone for enabling efficient eVTOL flights and drone deployments for commercial, public safety, and defense applications. These advancements underscore the partnership’s role in shaping the future of AAM, providing scalable solutions that prioritize safety and operational efficiency.
“This partnership is pivotal for accelerating innovations in aerospace navigation and ensuring seamless integration across the AAM ecosystem. MatrixSpace’s collaboration with Skyway will bring next generation sensing technology to vertiport operations,” said Lori DeMatteis, Chief Revenue Officer at MatrixSpace. “Our solutions are designed to provide unparalleled situational awareness, ease and flexibility and together, we’re creating a foundation for the safe and scalable future of air mobility.”
Skyway’s expertise in vertiport development combined with MatrixSpace’s intelligent radar systems, the partnership addresses key challenges in vertiport and corridor operations. Enhanced radar capabilities will improve drone detection and mitigate unmanned aircraft threats. Real-time air traffic monitoring will reduce the risk of collisions and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks. Seamless coordination between vertiports and airborne assets will optimize flight paths and schedules, making this collaboration a cornerstone of the next phase of aerospace innovation.
About Skyway
Skyway, a California-based leader in vertiport development, provides advanced solutions for vertiport traffic management and unmanned airspace planning. Learn more at www.goskyway.com.
About MatrixSpace
MatrixSpace products allow customers to detect more and decide faster, in any type of outdoor environment. Our AI sensing can go anywhere, no cloud required. www.matrixspace.com.
MatrixSpace Appoints Wesley Boyd as VP and General Manager of Radar Systems Business Unit
Burlington, MA – Reflecting the growing momentum of its advanced AI-sensing radar solutions, MatrixSpace has appointed Wes Boyd as Vice President and General Manager of Radar Systems. He will lead radar system products and operations to accelerate the company’s growth domestically and internationally.
Wes joins MatrixSpace from a 24-year career at Skyworks Solutions, a leading global RF Semiconductor company where he was Vice President of Connectivity. He brings a consistent track record of building new product businesses and growing them to large scale in complex RF products.
MatrixSpace is a leader in AI-enabled sensing solutions. Products combine cutting-edge radar sensors, other sensor types, and AI edge processing to sense, detect, and classify objects in any outdoor situation.
Quote from Greg Waters, CEO MatrixSpace
“We’re proud to add the talent and experience of Wes Boyd to an already formidable leadership team. This year begins a sharp growth trajectory for MatrixSpace, and we have the bench strength across multiple disciplines to deliver it strongly.”
Quote from Wes Boyd, Vice President and General Manager of Radar Systems, MatrixSpace
“MatrixSpace is setting new standards in advanced radar innovations, addressing a range of use cases previously thought impossible. This makes it an exciting time to join the team and play a significant role in helping to take it to the next level of growth and innovation.”
About MatrixSpace
MatrixSpace products allow customers to detect more and decide faster, in any type of outdoor environment. Our AI sensing can go anywhere, no cloud required. www.matrixspace.com
DroneSense Supports Customer in Removing Visual Observer Requirement for Drone as First Responder
AUSTIN, Texas, October 21, 2024 – Campbell Police Department (CPD) is making significant strides in its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, making it the first U.S. law enforcement agency to secure a camera and radar-based Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver for DFR. The waiver allows CPD to run drone missions with just one operator, without the need for human visual observers—day or night.
CPD worked closely with DroneSense’s solutions engineering team, led by former Pearland TX Police Department Chief Pilot and UAS Integrations Coordinator, Brandon Karr, to achieve this milestone with the FAA. The solution combines compact radar technology from MatrixSpace and camera based detect and avoid technology from Dedrone by Axon with DroneSense Remote software to enable fully remote DFR operations without visual observers. An integrated bundle that combines all three solutions is in progress, and will be available with DroneSense Remote.
“The value of DFR in helping first responders access real-time, critical information for both emergency and non-emergency situations is clear. CPD is enhancing public safety while ensuring officer and community protection,” said Karr. “We’re excited to provide public safety agencies with the full hardware, software, and professional services they need to deploy this technology.”
This advancement allows CPD to deploy drones more quickly and efficiently, at a reduced cost, while ensuring exceptional standards of aviation safety.
CPD sUAS Program Manager and MatrixSpace Field Services Engineer, David Cameron, states, “Our partnership with DroneSense has been instrumental in bringing cutting-edge drone technology to our department. This FAA waiver is a testament to how innovation, like DroneSense’s systems, is enhancing public safety, allowing us to respond faster, smarter, and more effectively to incidents in our community.”
CPD serves Campbell, a suburban community near San Jose with a population that swells from 40,000 to nearly 100,000 during the workday. Since 2022, the department has been a leader in drone technology, operating with a BVLOS waiver that initially required human visual observers. With the new radar-based waiver, CPD can now operate within a 2.5-kilometer area and at altitudes up to 400 feet, significantly expanding the program’s capabilities.
Join DroneSense at INTERPOL Drone Expert Summit (IDES) on October 30-31, where we’ll be showcasing our advanced drone technology solutions for public safety. Discover how our software supports Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs, providing critical real-time aerial intelligence to enhance emergency response efforts. Don’t miss the chance to see how DroneSense is transforming the way first responders operate.
About DroneSense
DroneSense, a leader in drone technology for public safety, supports missions like SAR, SWAT, and fire operations. Its platform offers real-time situational awareness, enabling quick event assessment. With DroneSense Remote, agencies can remotely launch drones at the moment a call comes in, providing live video and critical data for rapid incident evaluation. www.dronesense.com
Campbell Police Department expands DFR Program to single person operations, flying day and night at higher altitudes
Teams with Dedrone by Axon, DroneSense and MatrixSpace to remove the human visual observer

Burlington, MA (October 21, 2024) – Expanding its pioneering Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, Campbell Police Department (CPD) is the first in California, using optical and radar sensors, to incorporate radar in a Part 91.113(b) waiver request to conduct single-person operations, which requires only one operator for flight operations. Adding radar also allows Campbell PD to operate without human visual observers at night.
This initiative enables the safe and swift deployment of drones to both emergency and non-emergency incidents, providing first responders with advanced, critical information, enhancing their ability to respond effectively for a higher level of public safety. The solution also supports mixed fleet capabilities for a range of drones.
CPD is a suburban police department outside San Jose, California, serving a population of 40,000, which increases to 100,000 during the workday. Since 2022 it has operated a DFR program with a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver, utilizing a human visual observer.
The expanded program was achieved in partnership with Axon Air Remote, powered by DroneSense, Dedrone by Axon and MatrixSpace. This collaboration provides remote drone operators with a single information window for airspace detection and drone operations instead of multiple windows.
Quote from Campbell Police Chief Gary Berg
“MatrixSpace has helped revolutionize how we approach situational awareness by providing next-level fused radar capabilities. With this FAA waiver, our department can now deploy drones more efficiently, ensuring that we continue leading the way in utilizing technology to protect our community.”
Quote from Chief Charles L. Werner (Ret.) and director of DRONERESPONDERS
“This DFR BVLOS waiver, without a visual observer, is the first of its kind and is a great step forward by expanding the FAA’s acceptance of more technology to enable public safety agencies to implement DFR programs and eliminating the human VO requirement. This also demonstrates the FAA’s willingness to support public safety by continually expanding technology to further enhance DFR programs. Congratulations to Campbell Police Department for their innovation and leadership.”
Quote from Lori DeMatteis, Chief Revenue Officer, MatrixSpace
“Combining the collective solutions of these partners has enabled us to build a more effective DFR operation for Campbell PD and one we can continue to improve upon as technologies progress. We look forward to sharing best practices and continuing to support local communities with cost-effective, state-of-the-art sensors.”
The solution includes:
Dedrone by Axon’s DedroneBeyond optical system to track general aviation, incorporating live ADS-B and MatrixSpace Radar data, for safe, situational awareness of airspace.
MatrixSpace Radar low SWaP-C (size, weight, power, and cost) radar sensor that feeds data directly into the DedroneBeyond and Axon Air (powered by DroneSense) solutions.
Axon Air Remote, powered by DroneSense, a customizable DFR solution that allows agencies to deploy drones swiftly from remote locations in response to emergency calls while accessing video feeds from various assets to enhance situational awareness, mitigate risks and achieve live-saving outcomes.
Designed and developed in the USA, MatrixSpace Radar offers robust situational awareness of both airborne and ground-based objects, including in difficult lighting and weather conditions. This facilitates highly accurate drone detection and Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (CUAS) capabilities, enabling Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight operations for first responders and the commercial industry, which provides greater general aviation safety.
Meet us at:
IACP 2024 – Booth #265 – October 19-22, Boston, MA
DFR^2 – UAS Norway IDES Interpol Drone Expert Summit – October 30-31, Florence, Texas
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About Dedrone by Axon
Dedrone is the global leader in smart airspace security. Hundreds of commercial, government and military customers around the world rely on Dedrone’s comprehensive, command and control (C2) solution to protect against the persistent and escalating threat from drones while enabling “good” drones to fly. Dedrone is the only solution that provides continuous, autonomous interrogation and verification of drones that enables both multi-sensor and multi-mitigation options onto a single “pane-of-glass.” www.dedrone.com.
About DroneSense
DroneSense is a pioneering software development company dedicated to revolutionizing public safety through the power of drone technology. Serving top public safety, government, and critical infrastructure organizations, DroneSense’s support spans a wide range of missions, including SAR, SWAT, fire operations, and large crowd overwatch. www.dronesense.com
About MatrixSpace
MatrixSpace is re-imagining radar, addressing the next generation of AI-enabled sensing so that objects can be identified and data collected at the edge in real-time. We have built the smallest, expendable radar system to provide new levels of integrated outdoor surveillance in 5D (the size, location, range and movement of objects in time) that makes it accessible to a broad range of public and private enterprises. Today we are already working with several branches across the Department of Defense. www.matrixspace.com
Campbell Police Department Secures Groundbreaking Waiver for 24/7 Drone as First Responder (DFR) Operations
FAA Waiver Allows Campbell PD to Deploy DedroneBeyond for Drone-Agnostic Day and Night DFR Operations Without a Visual Observer
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 18, 2024 — Axon (Nasdaq: AXON), the global leader in public safety technologies, today announced that the Campbell Police Department in California received a groundbreaking waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations as part of its Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program. This approval is the first of its kind to include nighttime operations and allows Campbell Police Department to fly missions using Dedrone by Axon’s cutting-edge DedroneBeyond technology without the need for visual observers.

Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs are changing how emergencies are handled by providing real-time situational awareness that improves response times and safety. With DFR, police can deploy drones as soon as 911 calls are received, giving them a clear picture of the situation before officers arrive. Until now, operating drones at night has been restricted due to visibility issues, limiting the full potential of DFR programs after dark.
Since starting its DFR program in 2022, Campbell Police Department has used a human visual observer with a daytime waiver for BVLOS operations. This has allowed the agency to get critical information from the air, helping them allocate resources more effectively and improve safety. With the FAA’s latest approval under part 91.113(b), Campbell Police Department can now use DedroneBeyond’s ground-based detect and avoid system for both daytime and nighttime operations, removing the need for human observers and enabling 24/7 drone use.
Acting as the virtual visual observer, DedroneBeyond operates with a remote pilot from a control center nearby and enables drones to be rapidly deployed, ascend to an approved altitude of up to 400 feet, and travel the most efficient route to incidents at any time of day and in any weather. AI-driven sensor fusion technology safely detects and avoids crewed aircraft without false alarms interrupting the mission. Once at the scene, the drone can either land or monitor from a safe and approved altitude.
The Campbell Police Department’s DFR program integrates advanced technology from leading industry partners, including Dedrone by Axon, Axon Air Remote powered by DroneSense, and MatrixSpace. This collaboration gives remote drone operators a unified view for airspace awareness, deconfliction and mission control.
Chief Gary Berg of the Campbell Police Department said: “This FAA approval is a major milestone for our department and our community. With the ability to conduct drone operations day or night without the need for visual observers, we can respond faster and more effectively to emergencies, improving both officer and public safety. This technology is a game changer in ensuring we have the tools to support our community when it matters most.”
Aaditya Devarakonda, Chief Executive Officer of Dedrone by Axon, said: “Dedrone is excited to partner with the Campbell Police Department as they take this significant step forward in enhancing public safety with their DFR program. The FAA’s approval for BVLOS operations is a transformative moment, not only for Campbell PD but for law enforcement nationwide. We commend the FAA for its forward-thinking approach to unlock cutting-edge technologies that enhance safety within the National Airspace System (NAS).”
Axon will be showcasing its latest technology, including innovative solutions for Drone as First Responder programs, at the IACP Annual Conference in Boston from October 19-22. To learn more about the Intelligence Revolution Axon is leading in public safety, stay tuned to Axon’s blog.
About Axon
Axon is the global technology leader in public safety, building the operating system of the future through integrated hardware devices and cloud software solutions that drive modern policing, defense and enterprise security. Axon’s growing customer base spans international, federal, state and local law enforcement, fire, corrections, emergency medical services, and the justice sector, as well as commercial enterprises and consumers.
Dedrone by Axon is the leader in airspace security, providing a comprehensive command and control solution that protects against the rising threat of unauthorized drones while enabling approved drones to operate. Hundreds of commercial, government, and military customers rely on Dedrone’s autonomous, multi-sensor and multi-mitigation system for continuous drone monitoring and defense.
For more information, visit www.axon.com and www.dedrone.com.
ARES Security and MatrixSpace Provision Powerful Radar Integrated with AVERT MPO to Create Decisive Tactical Advantage for Expeditionary Forces
Dramatically increased detect and track capabilities for a wide range of large-scale security situations

Vienna, VA. and Burlington, MA (October 9, 2024) – ARES Security and MatrixSpace announce a technology partnership that combines the AI collaborative sensing capability of MatrixSpace Radar™ with ARES Security’s AVERT Mission Planning and Operations (MPO) software for autonomous systems.
The AVERT MPO software enables mission planning and control for squads of ground and aerial robotic systems from a single interface in a remote tactical operations center (TOC). The expendable low SWAP-C MatrixSpace Radar, which can be deployed on ground and aerial autonomous platforms, brings unparalleled adversary, vehicle, and sUAS detection capability into the AVERT MPO common operational picture.
Through this collaboration, customers, in particular branches of the Department of Defense, are now equipped with a decisive tactical advantage across a range of security and defense applications.
The new capabilities will be featured at the Department of Defense’s Thunderstorm 24.4 in early November, an invitation-only field technology showcase focused on innovative solutions for expeditionary military operations.
“Battlespaces and secure sites have a myriad of objects they must detect accurately, moving at rapid speeds in all weather conditions, day and night. Building MatrixSpace Radar into the ARES solution takes it to the next level in terms of managing and monitoring these secure locations. Enabling rapid counter UAS initiatives by bringing advanced technological solutions to the DoD is the key focus of our partnership,” stated Lori DeMatteis, CRO, MatrixSpace.

MatrixSpace Radar offers robust situational awareness of both airborne and ground-based objects, regardless of lighting and weather conditions. This facilitates highly accurate detection and Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System (CUAS) capabilities, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight for uncrewed, autonomous and tethered aircraft, and overall general awareness and security.
AVERT MPO integrates robotic platforms, sensors, and personnel using the tactical assault kit (TAK) into a common operational picture providing critical data for informed decisions and rapid response. AVERT MPO is unique in its ability to automate robotic sentries using trusted AI, intelligent pathing, and 3D modeling / simulation, and is capable of integrating with over 450 sensors through an advanced C2 platform, providing a decisive advantage during tactical operations.
Ben Eazzetta, CEO of ARES Security commented: “We are impressed by MatrixSpace’s powerful radar that delivers new levels of 4D outdoor surveillance, enhancing detection range, accuracy, and adaptability to adverse conditions. Paired with AVERT MPO’s AI-driven control and intelligent pathing, the solution enables precise mission planning, faster threat responses, and optimized patrols, creating a more robust security ecosystem for any security force protecting personnel and assets.”
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About MatrixSpace
MatrixSpace is re-imagining radar, addressing the next generation of AI-enabled sensing so that objects can be identified and data collected at the edge in real-time. We have built the smallest, expendable radar system to provide new levels of integrated outdoor surveillance in 5D (the size, location, range and movement of objects in time) that makes it accessible to a broad range of public and private enterprises. Today we are already working with several branches across the Department of Defense. www.matrixspace.com
About ARES Security:
ARES Security Corporation is a leading security software company and developer of the Enterprise Security Platform™ that is proven to reduce costs and increase effectiveness in numerous industries. The AVERT® software was first developed in 1999 in coordination with the Defense and Threat Reduction Agency to protect U.S. special weapons stockpiles. The solution has been protecting the country’s most critical assets since then. The Enterprise Security Platform consists of multiple AVERT solutions that cover the entire physical security lifecycle including software for security design, assessment, command and control, situation management, building information management, robotic operations, virtual training, and real-time decision support. AVERT solutions have received accreditations from the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy and are also DHS SAFETY Act certified. Government agencies, critical infrastructure and utilities, Fortune 500 corporate enterprises, and commercial clients around the world trust AVERT solutions to secure their people and assets.
www.aressecuritycorp.com
Legionnaire Awarded $3.19M AFWERX Contract to Develop Next Generation Air-refueling System
Partners with MatrixSpace, Sixdof Space and Target Arm to develop Small Hybrid Air-refueling Kit

Denison, Texas (September 24, 2024) – Legionnaire International has been selected for a $3.19M AFWERX Challenge SBIR Commercial Services Offering contract to design and deliver a new potentially podded refueling boom for tactical aircraft – the Small Hybrid Aerial Refueling Kit (SHARK) – to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF).
Legionnaire International designs, builds and tests weapons and carriage systems, aerospace components, electrical harnesses and critical defense systems and was selected as the prime contractor with partners MatrixSpace, Sixdof Space and Target Arm.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through direct proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded. Legionnaire will begin the contract immediately to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.
Quote from J.R. “Flash” Starch, CEO, Legionnaire International
“Rapid and sustained power projection depends upon the long reach of airpower which, in turn, hinges on the availability of sufficient in-flight air refueling. Our modular SHARK system will enable traditional and non-traditional tanker aircraft to safely refuel current and future military aircraft in flight – whether crewed or uncrewed. It also provides this critical capability to our tactical fleet as NGAS matures. This is particularly valuable as the U.S. and our allies depend increasingly upon Collaborative Combat Aircraft and other uncrewed, autonomous aircraft. The SHARK is a perfect example of how to reimagine a standard practice and we are thrilled to be involved in this project with our partners.”
MatrixSpace delivers an ultra-low SWaP, AI-enhanced radar for robust situational awareness of both airborne and ground-based objects, regardless of lighting or weather.
Sixdof Space has developed ultra-fast optical tracking sensors and algorithms to integrate into OEM hardware. The technology uses infrared lights as beacons to report an object’s position and orientation at a very high speed.
Target Arm provides revolutionary, autonomous launch and recovery products, both software and hardware, enabled by its proven Sensor Fusion Engine.
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About the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. www.afresearchlab.com
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,200 new contracts worth more than $4.7 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. www.afwerx.com.

About Legionnaire International
Legionnaire International is a veteran-owned small business group based in Denison, Texas. The expert team of engineers, flight test pilots and aircraft technicians have set out to provide new technologies to make the warfighter more effective in their mission and to come home. Legionnaire’s culture is centered around “Executing with Excellence!” and being agile in response to our customers. Legionnaire has the unique privilege of operating Douglas A-4 Skyhawks for flight test as a commercial alternative to active fleet aircraft for flight testing new weapons. Building on experience supporting GBU-X, CLEAVER, and other munition platforms for the Air Force and Navy, Legionnaire also has been awarded an IDIQ contract from Air Force Research Laboratory to perform R&D for next generation Carriage and Release Technologies. www.legionnaireintl.com
Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.
MatrixSpace Awarded $1.9M AFWERX TACFI Contract for Distributed Dual-Mode Mesh Radar for Base Defense
Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) Phase II Sequential for low-airspace surveillance for Air Force 87th Security Forces Squadron

Burlington, MA (August 14, 2024) – MatrixSpace has been selected for a $1.9M AFWERX Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) Phase II Sequential contract to develop a distributed dual-mode mesh radar for base defense, based on the MatrixSpace Radar hardware platform. The project runs for 22 months and starts immediately.
The project, in support of the Air Force 87th Security Forces Squadron, involves scaling MatrixSpace Radar for use in tactical, expeditionary, installed base force protection scenarios by creating a scalable low-cost distributed radar sensor mesh for low-airspace surveillance. The sensor mesh must detect, track, and identify low flying objects such as UAVs, loitering munitions, and one-way attack vehicles that are RF silent. The deployable system will provide the Air Force with a model for a network of rapidly deployable security sensors that is scalable and does not require additional infrastructure for power and communications.
AFWERX is the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), bringing cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFRL is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force and plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force.
Quote from Matthew Kling, VP of Intelligent Systems, MatrixSpace
“This TACFI project addresses a core requirement in new force protection, which is providing an enhanced level of awareness in complex, challenging environments, quickly. A distributed radar sensor mesh has the ability to detect and identify previously undetected objects, making it essential for the new world of battlespace awareness. This project enables MatrixSpace to demonstrate our product for field use.”
Designed and developed in the USA, MatrixSpace Radar offers robust situational awareness of both airborne and ground-based objects, regardless of lighting and weather conditions. This facilitates highly accurate drone detection and Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (CUAS) capabilities, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight for uncrewed, autonomous and tethered aircraft, and overall general airspace awareness and security.
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About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,200 new contracts worth more than $4.7 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. Visit: www.afwerx.com.
About the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
AFRL is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. Visit www.afresearchlab.com
About MatrixSpace
MatrixSpace is re-imagining radar, addressing the next generation of AI-enabled sensing so that objects can be identified and data collected in real-time – no cloud access required. We have built the smallest radar system to provide new levels of integrated outdoor surveillance in 4D (the size, location, and movement of objects in time) that makes it accessible to a broad range of public and private enterprises. Today we are already in production with several branches across the Department of Defense. www.matrixspace.com.
MatrixSpace Awarded $1.25M AFWERX Open Topic SBIR Contract to Develop Low SWAP-C Multi-function Payload
Small, low cost, multi-band, high-performance UAS sensor package for sensing, communications and electronic warfare to enable Replicator initiative

Burlington, MA (June 19, 2024) – MatrixSpace has been selected by AFWERX for a $1.25M Direct-to-Phase II SBIR to develop a prototype low SWaP-C multi-function, multi-band antenna payload, based on the MatrixSpace Radar hardware platform.
Created to satisfy requirements for the Replicator initiative and address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF), the project is part of a new initiative to develop and test low SWAP payloads based on existing MatrixSpace technology for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). The project initially runs for 21 months, starting immediately.
Designed and developed in the USA, MatrixSpace Radar offers robust situational awareness of both airborne and ground-based objects, regardless of lighting and weather conditions. This facilitates highly accurate drone detection and Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (CUAS) capabilities, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight for uncrewed, autonomous and tethered aircraft, and overall general airspace awareness and security.
The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution.
The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded.
Quote from Matthew Kling, VP of Intelligent Systems, MatrixSpace*
“We’re honored to provide innovative military capabilities using our core MatrixSpace technology to strengthen the national defense of the United States. Through this award, we have been given a significant opportunity to progress large-scale, all-domain attritable autonomous (ADA2) systems envisioned under the Replicator initiative. MatrixSpace will help address critical requirements for future military systems by providing multi-function, multi-band, agnostic capabilities on-board autonomous vehicles, enabling our warfighters to rapidly adapt to any mission.”
*Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.
About the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
AFRL is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. Visit www.afresearchlab.com
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,100 new contracts worth more than $4 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. Visit www.afwerx.com.
About MatrixSpace
MatrixSpace is re-imagining radar. We are addressing the next generation of AI-enabled sensing so that objects can be identified, and data collected in real-time – no cloud access required. We’re building the smallest radar system to provide new levels of integrated outdoor surveillance in 4D (the size, location, and movement of objects in time) that makes it accessible to a broad range of public and private enterprises. www.matrixspace.com.