Photo By Sgt. Duke Edwards | U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Crutcher, a drone manufacturing officer with...... read more read more
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As the modern battlefield continues to evolve, drone warfare has become increasingly prominent in recent global conflicts.
To meet the constantly changing challenges in warfare, Soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division and the 8th Theater Sustainment Command collaborated to execute a first-person view (FPV) drone live-fire exercise (LFX) at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 17, 2025.
The LFX involved two unmanned aircraft systems, each with distinct functions. The Performance Drone Works (PDW) C100, known as the "Hunter”, is used for aerial reconnaissance, identifying enemy targets, communicating with FPV drone operators to neutralize those targets, and confirming battle damage assessments.
On the other hand, the Kestrel FPV drone from the 25th Inf. Div., known as the "Killer", is a one-way attack drone equipped with an M6 blasting cap and an M112 demolition block.
During the LFX, Sgt. 1st Class Taylor Britain, an explosive ordnance disposal team leader with the 74th EOD Company, managed all aspects of the live demolition. This included moving it from the Kestrel FPV drone operator to the drone's take-off point, as well as arming and loading the payload before flight.
" We built a circuit with multiple safety and arming features," said Britain. "It includes two mechanical safes and arming switches, along with two electronic safety functions for safe and arming from the drone controller. Additionally, there is a link disarm feature for loss of control. The mechanical brakes in the circuit allow us to arm and load the payload before flight safely."
All four iterations of the LFX were successful, resulting in the Kestrel FPV drone detonating on every target and demonstrating the division's ability to build and employ one-way attack drones to produce lethal effects.
"We are the first to develop our own drone and detonation system organically within the division," said 1st Lt. Johnathan Samples, an infantry officer with 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Inf. Div. "In the history of all armed conflict, infantry Soldiers have been very adaptable, and it's no different in today's Army."
Lessons learned from recent global conflicts have allowed Tropic Lightning Soldiers to adapt and change continuously.
"Three months ago, the division asked me to develop a solution for a one-way drone attack," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Crutcher, a drone manufacturing officer with Lightning Labs, 25th Inf. Div. "After looking at different models, we designed something from the ground up. We teamed up with EOD and used their expertise to ensure we utilized all safety measures. Through testing, trial and error, we developed the fire set we have here today."
With a successful LFX, Tropic Lightning Soldiers will now work to demonstrate their ability to employ the Kestrel FPV drone during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center Rotation 26-01.
"Now we are working to mimic lethal effects for training purposes," said Samples. "FPV strikes are becoming more and more relevant on the battlefield. Our training can now utilize these assets, allowing us to train like we fight. FPV strikes, echeloned with indirect fire, scout reports, and troop infiltration, will make us significantly more lethal with a smaller risk to Soldiers."
For Soldiers interested in participating in the Lightning Labs drone program, every Wednesday morning there are drone classes covering 3D printing and soldering, followed by drone maintenance in the afternoon.
"Get an understanding of what your unit's mission is and how drones are involved," said Crutcher. "If being able to build them is an asset for their unit, then they can just come over at any point."
Britain, Crutcher and Samples all recognized the significance of Range Control in facilitating the division's first-ever FPV LFX training.
The Tropic Lightning Division is dedicated to continuously transforming and innovating, ensuring that its Warfighters are equipped to confront any threat in a realistic and complex environment.
| Date Taken: | 10.17.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.19.2025 15:58 |
| Story ID: | 550295 |
| Location: | HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 125 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, The Indo-Pacific Hunter & Killer Tandem: First-Person View Drone Live-Fire Exercise, by SGT Duke Edwards, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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