Containerized Modular Hub
ISO Tactical Airbase-in-a-Box · Power · Command · Launch · Recovery · Recharge
USPTO Provisional #64/066,149 (filed 15 May 2026) · USPTO Provisional #63/739,060 (Mobile Power & Command System, filed)
USPTO Provisional #64/066,149 (Containerized Modular Hub, filed 15 May 2026) · USPTO Provisional #63/739,060 (Mobile Power & Command System, filed)
Tactical Airbase-in-a-Box
The Edison Modular Containerized Hub is a self-contained ISO-container infrastructure node for Group 1-3 unmanned aircraft constellations. The system provides power, command-and-control, launch, recovery, and recharge in a single dispersable, transportable platform that can be deployed to austere forward operating bases, fixed positions, or staged from a host platform.
Two patents define the architecture: USPTO Provisional #64/066,149 covers the modular containerized hub system architecture (filed 15 May 2026), and USPTO Provisional #63/739,060 covers the underlying Mobile Power & Command System.
The Hub directly addresses DARPA RFI SN-26-33 Category 2 requirements for autonomous containerized UAS operations — multi-day persistence, dispersibility, MIL-STD compliance targets, and integrated mission management.
Technical Specifications
Two Form Factors — 20-ft ISO & 40-ft Tactical
| 20-ft ISO 1CC | 40-ft Tactical | |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 240 × 96 × 96 in | 480 × 96 × 96 in |
| Gross Weight Empty | 18,500 lbs | 34,000 lbs |
| Drones in Storage | 1 folded G3 or 10-12 G1/2 | 2-4 folded G3 or 20-24 G1/2 |
| Drones Launched / min | 0.05 G3; 3 G1/2 | 0.10 G3; 6 G1/2 |
| Drones Recovered / min | 0.08 G3; 2 G1/2 | 0.16 G3; 4 G1/2 |
| Drones Recharged / min | 0.08 G3; 2 G1/2 | 0.16 G3; 4 G1/2 |
| Continuous Internal Power | 50 kW (150 kW peak) | 100 kW (300 kW peak) |
| Energy Storage | 300 kWh LiFePO4 ESS + 6-12 batt cassettes | 600 kWh LiFePO4 ESS + 12-24 batt cassettes |
| Backup Fuel | 50 gallons JP-8 | 100 gallons JP-8 (fuel module) |
| Allocated Fuel Volume | 125,000 in³ | 250,000 in³ |
| Allocated Drone Volume | 430,000 in³ | 1,000,000 in³ |
| Alt. Position / Nav / Timing | Yes — INS, RF/visual beacons | Yes — larger antenna suite |
| Stacking Compatibility | CSC-plate certified (target) | CONEX TRICON stack-compatible (target) |
| Targeted MIL Standards | MIL-STD-810H (environmental) · MIL-STD-1791 (C-130/C-17 air-transportability, 20-ft) · MIL-STD-461G (EMC) | |
| Patents | USPTO Provisional #64/066,149 (Containerized Modular Hub, filed 15 May 2026) · USPTO Provisional #63/739,060 (Mobile Power & Command System, filed) | |
Operational Modes
Power Generation
LiFePO4 ESS with active thermal management; deployable solar PV array; multi-fuel backup generator (JP-8 / diesel); vehicle-coupled alternator option.
Launch & Recovery
Pneumatic launch rail for Group 1-2 assisted launch; autonomous vision-guided net or arrestor recovery; Heavy-class aircraft retain conventional STOL.
Recharge / Battery Swap
Modular battery cassette hot-swap via internal handler; high-current DC fast-charge output; reduces per-aircraft turnaround time.
Command & Mesh
Integrated ground control station; gossip-protocol mesh radio shared with aircraft constellation; daisy-chain across multiple hubs.
Key Advantages
Low Signature
Electric propulsion produces minimal acoustic and thermal signature, making the Heavy 1 Defense inherently harder to detect by enemy sensors and air defenses.
No Pilot at Risk
Operate in contested airspace without risking human lives. The unmanned platform can execute high-risk missions that would be unacceptable for manned aircraft.
STOL Deployment
Deploy from damaged or improvised airstrips as short as 300 feet. No dependence on intact runway infrastructure in forward or contested areas.
Expendable Economics
Lower cost per unit than manned platforms enables attritable operations. Deploy as expendable assets in high-threat environments where platform loss is acceptable.
Battle Damage Tolerance
8-motor redundancy means the aircraft can sustain damage to multiple motors and continue its mission. No single point of failure in the propulsion system.
Multi-Domain Integration
Seamless integration with UNCV and SeaWatch for coordinated air, sea, and surface-effect operations across the full battlespace.
Multi-Domain Defense Ecosystem
The Heavy 1 Defense integrates with Edison Aerospace's complete defense platform to deliver coordinated multi-domain capability across air, sea, and surface-effect operations.
UNCV -- Maritime Operations
The Unmanned Naval Combat Vessel handles maritime domain operations including autonomous naval patrol, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine warfare. Learn more about UNCV
SeaWatch -- Surface-Effect Operations
The SeaWatch provides high-speed surface-effect transport and strike capability, operating in the gap between air and sea. Learn more about SeaWatch
Ground Control Station -- C2
Unified command and control across all Edison defense platforms from a single operator console. Learn more about GCS
Discuss the Containerized Hub Program
Learn how the Heavy 1 Defense can integrate into your operational framework with multi-domain unmanned capability.