ABSI Demonstrates SkyBadger VTOL at ADS Drone ISR Showcase, Highlighting Affordable and Scalable Aerial Target Solutions

Leesburg, VA October, 2025

ABSI Aerospace & Defense participated in the recent Drone ISR Showcase hosted by ADS Inc. at Xelevate, the premier unmanned systems test and demonstration center in Leesburg, Virginia. During the event, ABSI conducted a live flight demonstration of its SkyBadger VTOL, part of the company’s Affordable-Attritable Targets Family of Systems, designed to replicate realistic UAS threat profiles for Department of Defense (DoD) test and training environments.

The demonstration featured multiple SkyBadger aircraft operating cooperatively to simulate complex threat scenarios representative of today’s contested battlespace. These systems provide DoD test officials, program managers, and training units with high-fidelity, threat-representative targets at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems—enabling large-scale testing and training previously limited by expense or availability.

“Our focus is on making realism affordable,” said Jay ‘Chewy’ Frey, ABSI’s Vice President for CxISRT. “The DoD needs the ability to test and train against emerging UAS threats at scale. ABSI delivers that capability through purpose-built, cost-effective designs backed by a team with real operational and test experience. We understand what the warfighter faces—and we build systems that replicate it.”

ABSI’s participation in the showcase underscores its expanding role in supporting the DoD’s growing demand for low-cost, threat-representative aerial targets used in counter-UAS testing, weapons evaluation, and operator training. The company’s veteran-led engineering and flight operations teams design and field systems that balance agility, affordability, and mission realism.

The event also provided an opportunity for industry collaboration, with ABSI engaging other manufacturers and technology developers interested in integrating sensors, payloads, or autonomy solutions onto ABSI’s aerial target platforms. By enabling plug-and-play integration, ABSI supports partners seeking to validate or demonstrate their systems in realistic test environments.

“We welcome collaboration,” said Christopher Sacco, ABSI’s Chief Executive Officer. “ABSI’s targets are designed for adaptability—whether that’s carrying EO/IR payloads, RF emitters, or other mission-specific equipment. We’re building an ecosystem that helps government and industry partners accelerate innovation through accessible, repeatable, and representative testing.”

ABSI extended its gratitude to ADS Inc. and Xelevate for hosting an event that continues to advance dialogue and cooperation across the defense innovation community.

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About ABSI Aerospace & Defense

ABSI Aerospace & Defense is a veteran-led, U.S.-based aerospace and defense company specializing in affordable, operationally proven unmanned systems and mission support services. ABSI designs, manufactures, and fields threat-representative aerial targets and provides test, training, and evaluation support to Department of Defense and allied organizations worldwide.

Learn more at www.absidefense.com or contact our team at info@absidefense.com.