American-Made Football Drone Could Become Battlefield Game Changer

The American startup company XDOWN recently announced details of a state-of-the-art, throwable tactical drone designed for quick and stealthy use.

Known as the P.S. Killer (PSK), the unmanned aerial system (UAS) bears a strong resemblance to an NFL football, which is no mistake. According to XDOWN, the shape of the 3.7-pound PSK allows users to hand-launch the kamikaze drone like a quarterback from practically any location and gives the weapon heightened accuracy.

Why It Matters

Drones are becoming increasingly more important in military arsenals, and they are used extensively as weapons and for reconnaissance missions.

Russia and Ukraine have both relied on drones to track enemy movements, guide weapons and execute strikes ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

XDOWN, whose team is made up of military veterans, reported that the PSK is more cost-efficient than many drones, and it can be easily maintained and upgraded.

What To Know

The PSK’s design allows it be utilized for a diverse range of tasks aside from simply engaging in electronic warfare, and the drone can conduct surveillance and reconnaissance operations thanks to thermal imaging.

Simply replacing the warhead container on the drone can allow the drone to transport food and medical kits to remote locations, conflict areas or disaster zones.

However, XDOWN highlights the PSK is perfect for countering flying drones and striking targets at a distance—thanks to its operational range of either 15 miles or 40 miles (depending on the payload).

“This exceptional adaptability solidifies the PSK as a crucial asset for military operations, ready to handle any mission with confidence and efficiency,” XDOWN said in a press release.

Other highlights of the PSK include the ability to take out multiple aerial light threats with a single launch, real-time data exchange with
command control and systems designed to enhance situational awareness and coordination.

“By complying with National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) regulations, it showcases exceptional reliability and a steadfast commitment to upholding high defense standards,” XDOWN said.

A member of the XDOWN team told Newsweek that the PSK could even potentially find use in the NFL.

What People Are Saying

XDOWN in a press release said: “The PSK is a transformative tool that enables military units to breach even the toughest defenses with confidence and precision. Its exceptional range and unparalleled accuracy allow for effective engagement of enemy outposts, battle zones, and rear areas.

“By executing comprehensive overwatch and establishing coordinated efforts with offensive fire assets, units equipped with the PSK can swiftly exploit fleeting opportunities, reinforcing their superiority on the battlefield in both close and deep engagements.”

What Happens Next

XDOWN’s PSK could be put to the test by the U.S. military as soon as this year.