Firestorm Labs is a San Diego-based defense technology company specializing in the rapid development and deployment of modular, mission-adaptable unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for military applications. Founded in 2022, the company leverages advanced additive manufacturing (3D printing) and open-source architectures to deliver cost-effective, scalable drone solutions designed for the evolving needs of the Department of Defense and allied forces. Firestorm’s core objective is to enable “Affordable Mass”—the ability to produce and deploy large numbers of drones quickly and efficiently, even in contested or logistically challenging environments. Their systems are designed to be manufactured and assembled at the edge, supporting operational agility and resilience for warfighters.
Leadership
Dan Magy, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer: Magy has a background in defense technology and entrepreneurship, previously leading companies focused on robotics and unmanned systems. His expertise centers on scaling advanced manufacturing and autonomous platforms for defense applications.
Chad McCoy, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer: McCoy brings experience in defense innovation and strategic planning, with a focus on integrating new technologies into military operations and addressing supply chain challenges.
Ian Muceus, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer: Muceus specializes in advanced engineering and technology development, particularly in the areas of autonomy, modular design, and rapid prototyping for aerospace systems.
Core Technologies
Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing): Firestorm’s drones, such as the Tempest 50, can be 3D printed in as little as nine hours and fully assembled within 36 hours, drastically reducing production timelines compared to traditional methods.
Modular, Open-Source Architectures: The company’s systems are designed for rapid configuration and integration of various payloads (e.g., sensors, electronic warfare, explosives), supporting a wide range of mission profiles. Firestorm is a top contributor to the Dronecode open-source ecosystem, including PX4 and QGroundControl.
Expeditionary Manufacturing (xCell): Firestorm’s xCell platform enables distributed, containerized drone production at or near the point of need, supporting on-demand fabrication in austere or contested environments.
Advanced Autonomy and Swarming: Firestorm’s UAS are being integrated into Air Force programs focused on autonomous operations, swarming, and adaptive mission capabilities.
Rapid Integration and Customization: The modular airframe design allows for the quick integration of customer-specified payloads and mission-specific adaptations.
Key Capabilities
Production of Group 1–3 UAS: Firestorm builds drones weighing up to 1,320 pounds, suitable for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), tactical support, and loitering munitions.
Edge Manufacturing: Ability to produce drones and components globally, close to operational theaters, reducing supply chain vulnerabilities.
Low-Cost, Highly Attritable Systems: Focus on affordability and rapid replacement, enabling large-scale deployment in high-risk environments.
Open-Source Collaboration: Active contribution to and integration with open-source drone software and hardware communities.
Mission-Specific Customization: Rapid adaptation for electronic warfare, sensor integration, and kinetic payloads.
Investors
Lockheed Martin: Led a $12.5 million seed investment round, supporting Firestorm’s expansion and technology development.
Other Investors: While specific additional investors are not detailed, Firestorm is privately held and has raised at least $12.5 million in disclosed funding.
Valuation: No explicit valuation figures are publicly available as of April 2025.
Company Status: Privately held.
Notable Clients
U.S. Air Force: Awarded Firestorm Labs a $100 million, five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for the development and procurement of 3D-printed UAS and next-generation autonomy capabilities. The contract includes integration with AFWERX, Air Combat Command, and Air Force Special Operations Command, as well as participation in programs like Adaptive Air Enterprise and AFWERX Prime Proving Ground.
U.S. Department of Defense: Firestorm’s solutions are available for use across multiple U.S. government agencies under the IDIQ contract.
