Firestone Lab Lands 18M Usaf Contract For Revolutionary Autonomous Drone System
Firestorm Labs Scores $18 Million USAF Contract for xCell System Development The United States Air …
19. November 2025
Firestone Lab Lands 18M Usaf Contract For Revolutionary Autonomous Drone System
Firestorm Labs Scores $18 Million USAF Contract for xCell System Development
The United States Air Force (USAF) has awarded an $18 million contract to Firestone Lab, a San Diego-based innovative technology company, to develop and manufacture the xCell system. This cutting-edge project aims to produce low-cost, autonomous small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), which have the potential to revolutionize various military applications.
The contract falls under the category of research and development and is part of the USAF’s Small Business Innovation Research II program. Valued at $18 million, this funding will enable Firestone Lab to focus on developing the xCell system, a manufactured hardware component designed to facilitate mass production of sUAS.
Firestone Lab’s expertise in advanced manufacturing technologies and its experience in producing complex components make it an ideal partner for the USAF on this project. The company is expected to demonstrate production capability, gather data for future system verification, training, operation, and product support under the contract.
Firestone Lab’s officials have expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the development of innovative technologies that can enhance military capabilities while reducing costs. According to them, “The xCell system represents a significant step forward in our ability to produce advanced unmanned systems at scale,” with Firestone Lab looking forward to collaborating with its partners to bring this vision to life.
Asymmetric Capabilities, located at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity responsible for managing this project. The award was made on October 20, 2025, and represents a significant commitment from the USAF to support innovative research and development initiatives.
The xCell system has the potential to transform various military applications by providing affordable and efficient solutions for unmanned operations. Its focus on mass production capabilities can help reduce costs associated with maintaining large numbers of manned aircraft. Additionally, the autonomous nature of sUAS allows for greater flexibility in mission planning, increased situational awareness, and enhanced survivability.
The development of the xCell system is part of a broader effort by the USAF to enhance its capabilities in unmanned systems. As the military continues to explore new technologies that can provide an edge over adversaries, innovative companies like Firestone Lab are playing a vital role in advancing the state-of-the-art.
Firestone Lab’s involvement in the xCell system development highlights the growing importance of small businesses in the defense sector. The Small Business Innovation Research II program aims to support innovation and entrepreneurial efforts by providing funding to companies like Firestone Lab, which are pushing the boundaries of cutting-edge technologies.
The success of this contract will not only benefit Firestone Lab but also contribute to the advancement of unmanned systems technology. As the military continues to explore new ways to enhance its capabilities, innovative solutions like the xCell system have the potential to transform various aspects of military operations, ultimately benefiting national security and global stability.
Firestone Lab’s expertise in advanced manufacturing technologies positions it well to meet the demands of this critical project, with its team working closely with Asymmetric Capabilities to bring the xCell system to life. With a focus on delivering high-quality results that meet the needs of this project, Firestone Lab is poised to make significant contributions to the advancement of unmanned systems technology.
The xCell system development project has been structured such that it will be completed by October 21, 2027, with work performed primarily at Firestone Lab’s facility in San Diego, California. This contract was awarded solely to Firestone Lab, indicating the USAF’s confidence in their capabilities and expertise.
Innovative technologies like the xCell system are critical for enhancing military capabilities while reducing costs, providing affordable solutions for unmanned operations. As the military continues to explore new ways to enhance its capabilities, innovative solutions have the potential to transform various aspects of military operations, ultimately benefiting national security and global stability.
Firestone Lab’s commitment to advancing unmanned systems technology demonstrates its dedication to supporting the USAF’s efforts in this critical area. With their expertise in advanced manufacturing technologies, Firestone Lab is well-positioned to make significant contributions to the development of innovative solutions like the xCell system, shaping the future of military operations and national security.
The success of this contract will not only benefit Firestone Lab but also contribute to the advancement of unmanned systems technology, with its potential applications extending beyond military applications. The technology developed through this project has the potential to transform various sectors, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and inspection, making it an attractive solution for both civilian and military use cases.
Firestone Lab’s involvement in the xCell system development highlights the growing importance of small businesses in the defense sector, with innovative companies like Firestone Lab driving advancements in cutting-edge technologies. As the military continues to explore new ways to enhance its capabilities, innovative solutions have the potential to transform various aspects of military operations, ultimately benefiting national security and global stability.
The xCell system development project demonstrates the USAF’s commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurial efforts, providing funding to companies like Firestone Lab that are pushing the boundaries of cutting-edge technologies. This contract represents a significant opportunity for Firestone Lab to demonstrate its expertise and build on its existing relationships with the USAF.