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Robot maker · registered
WingXpand
Builds a backpack-portable fixed-wing UAS ('plane in a pack') whose patented expandable wings unfold to a 7-foot wingspan, with onboard AI for ISR and detection missions. Seven-figure US Air Force wildfire-detection deal (2023), SBIR contracts with US Special Operations, Army and Navy, xTechSearch 7 finalist and xTechAutonomy winner; US-made manufacturing scaled in St. Louis. Contract base is SBIR/R&D-stage, hence early tier; dual-use (defense + wildfire/civil).
HeadquartersSt. Louis, US
Founded2022
Defense fundingNot disclosed
Team11-50
Deployments2
Open roles0
01
Company overview
Identity and operating footprint
Company typeRobot maker
Market segmentDefense
StagePre-Seed
FoundersJames Barbieri (CEO), Michelle Madaras (COO)
Regions servedNorth America
Countries deployedNot listed
Service footprintNot listed
Last reviewed2026-07-05
LinkedInView profile
MX
Robot models
Specifications remain vendor-claimed
Machinesecurity
WingXpand UAS
- Backpack-sized fixed-wing drone expanding to 7-ft wingspan via patented telescoping wings
press-described product design
Claim source
DP
Deployment log
Announced and cited only
TL
Company timeline
Milestones and announcements
2026-03-01St. Louis Drone Makers Poised For Military Orders ↗Hoodline
2023-09-01Seven-figure US Air Force deal for wildfire-detection drones; $500K pre-seed raisedSt. Louis Business Journal (via WingXpand media)
2023-03-03US Army SBIR contract and xTechSearch 7 finalist recognitionThe Drone Girl
SC
Source ledger
3 unique public sources
01
How a St. Louis drone company is creating new defense capabilitiesThe Drone Girl · retrieved 2026-07-05
02WingXpand Secures New Defense Contracts and Expands Smart Plane ProductionDRONELIFE · retrieved 2026-07-05
03St. Louis drone startup WingXpand lands deal with U.S. Air ForceSt. Louis Business Journal (via WingXpand media) · retrieved 2026-07-05