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 Hub-launched constellation 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.
Dispersed Deployment
Deploys to austere forward bases in 20-ft and 40-ft ISO form factors — towable, stackable, and free of fixed infrastructure requirements.
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
LiFePO4 energy storage, JP-8 backup generation, and daisy-chained hubs keep constellations flying through outages and attrition.
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 Containerized Hub 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 Containerized Hub can support your deployed UAS constellation operations.