# DCMA Launches Record Drone Flight at Edwards AFB

The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) hosted the "Game of Drones" event at Edwards Air Force Base, achieving a record-breaking 521-minute flight for a battery-powered Group 1 drone. This drone was rapidly designed and fabricated using advanced software and additive manufacturing techniques, supporting the Air Force Test Center's mission to accelerate autonomous technology evaluation and integration. The event highlights procurement opportunities for contractors specializing in rapid digital manufacturing, small unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and autonomous technologies.

- **Why this matters:** The record flight demonstrates the Air Force's commitment to advancing autonomous drone capabilities through innovative manufacturing and testing methods.
- Contractors with expertise in additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping can engage with DCMA and Air Force Test Center initiatives.
- The focus on Group 1 drones indicates growing demand for small UAS platforms in defense applications.
- Procurement professionals should consider the evolving requirements for autonomous systems and digital manufacturing in upcoming solicitations and contracts.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)
- Air Force Test Center
- 412th Test Wing’s Experimental Test Force
- Army Materiel Command (AMC)
- Tobyhanna Army Depot

### Vendors
- Titan Dynamics (prime contractor)
- Army Materiel Command (manufacturer of brushless motors)

### Key Quotes
> ‘Game of Drones’ is intended to collect operational test data, user feedback and performance data.
> — Col. Dustin Thomas, Commander, DCMA Unmanned Systems-Experimental

### Sources
- [
	‘Game of Drones’ launches record-breaking flight > Defense Contract Management Agency > DCMA News
](https://www.dcma.mil/News/Article/4563811/game-of-drones-launches-record-breaking-flight/) - DCMA