An ICON A5 for the U.S. Military

An ICON A5 for the U.S. Military—or China?

Julie Boatman

Monday, January 31, 2022 at 11:42 AM ET

Verified

How could the ICON A5 fit in a military operation? We asked an expert. [Courtesy: ICON Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

XQT Aero is developing an experimental, militarized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) version of the ICON A5, dubbed "Ocean Eagle," for potential U.S. military (specifically Navy) applications.
The ICON A5 is considered uniquely suited for these maritime UAV missions due to its proprietary folding wing design, capacity for higher horsepower, and advanced hull capable of handling heavier seas, outperforming other small amphibians.
A U.S. Committee of Foreign Investment (CFIUS) investigation is underway concerning the potential transfer of the ICON A5's intellectual property to a Chinese-government-backed entity, which XQT Aero's CEO argues would be detrimental to U.S. interests and prevent further domestic military development.

See a mistake? Contact us.

So, we had to ask: Is the ICON A5 really a platform of interest for the U.S. military? And would the assignment of its IP to a Chinese-government-backed entity pose undue concern for U.S. interests on the global stage?

A recent investigation opened by the Committee of Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS) came in response to a group of minor investors in ICON who asserted just this—and we wanted to understand how the A5 would fit any mission with higher stakes than splashing into lunch on a scenic lake.