< Return to insights hub
LightWare continues to lead as the sole microLiDAR® on the Blue UAS list
As secure drone programs expand across the United States and allied nations, the focus on trusted components has intensified. Procurement decisions are increasingly shaped not only by performance, but by supply-chain transparency, firmware integrity, and regulatory compliance.
Within this evolving environment, the Blue UAS Framework has become a key reference point for integrators building platforms for government and public-safety missions.
As of the latest published framework list in 2026, LightWare remains the only manufacturer with compact microLiDAR® altimeters listed within its category.
This position has been held since 2025 and continues to provide a stable, pre-validated option for developers navigating an increasingly complex compliance landscape.
A critical moment in the secure drone supply chain
The Blue UAS Framework was established to accelerate the adoption of trusted drone technologies across U.S. government programs. By pre-validating components that meet security and sourcing requirements, the framework reduces procurement friction for federal agencies and their contractors.
While the list includes a wide range of cameras, radios, flight controllers, and computing modules, the category of compact laser altimeters remains notably narrow.
Within the microLiDAR® rangefinder component category, LightWare’s sensors remain the only listed solutions.
This provides integrators with a clear and trusted path when selecting altitude-sensing hardware for Blue UAS-aligned platforms.
The only microLiDAR® altimeters currently listed
LightWare’s position on the framework reflects both technical capability and supply-chain transparency.
At the time of publication, no other compact microLiDAR® altimeter manufacturers appear within the same component category.
This creates a practical procurement advantage for integrators developing systems for:
- U.S. Department of Defense programs
- Department of Homeland Security platforms
- Federal law-enforcement operations
- Public-safety and disaster-response systems
Because the sensors are already listed within the Blue UAS ecosystem, they can be adopted without the additional validation processes often required for unlisted components.
For program managers and engineering teams, this can accelerate integration timelines while reducing compliance uncertainty.
Why ground-referenced LiDAR matters
Altitude sensing is a fundamental capability for autonomous flight.
Compact LiDAR altimeters provide a direct measurement of the distance between the aircraft and the ground, enabling reliable operation in environments where other sensing methods may be insufficient.
These sensors support critical functions including:
- Precision low-altitude flight
- Terrain following
- Safe landing in unstructured environments
- Obstacle detection
- GPS-denied navigation
While GNSS modules estimate altitude relative to satellite positioning and barometric sensors infer altitude from air pressure, LiDAR provides a direct ground-referenced measurement.
This capability becomes especially important in mission profiles where stability, safety, and autonomy must be maintained in complex operating environments.
LightWare sensors in the Blue UAS ecosystem
Two of LightWare’s most widely deployed microLiDAR® sensors are currently listed within the framework.
LW20/C
An ultra-lightweight IP67-rated microLiDAR® rangefinder designed for precision altitude measurement and obstacle sensing.
The LW20 offers:
- Up to 100 m measurement range
- Compact integration footprint
- Environmental durability for field deployment
SF20/C
A lightweight laser rangefinder optimized for UAV integration where size, weight, and power consumption are tightly constrained.
The SF20 provides:
- Up to 100 m measurement capability
- Low SWaP-C integration advantages
- Proven deployment across a wide range of UAV platforms
Both sensors are supported by the LightWare software ecosystem, including LightWare Studio, which provides configuration and diagnostic tools for integrators.
Alignment with emerging supply-chain trends
Across the autonomy sector, governments are increasingly prioritizing trusted supply chains.
Procurement frameworks now emphasize:
- Transparent component sourcing
- Reduced reliance on adversarial-country hardware
- Friend-shoring across allied technology ecosystems
LightWare’s continued presence on the Blue UAS Framework aligns with this broader shift.
For integrators operating within U.S. and allied regulatory environments, the availability of pre-validated components simplifies long-term program planning.
A procurement advantage for integrators
For developers building Blue UAS-aligned platforms, selecting listed components can significantly reduce compliance complexity.
Because LightWare’s microLiDAR® sensors are already included within the framework, they offer:
- Pre-validated supply-chain transparency
- Alignment with federal procurement requirements
- Reduced integration uncertainty
This creates a practical advantage for engineering teams seeking altitude-sensing hardware that meets both technical and regulatory expectations.
Looking ahead
As autonomy programs continue to expand across defense, public safety, and critical-infrastructure monitoring, demand for trusted sensing hardware is expected to grow.
LightWare continues to invest in:
- next-generation microLiDAR® technology
- expanded integration capabilities
- support for U.S. and allied partners
- alignment with evolving regulatory requirements
Within the Blue UAS ecosystem today, the company’s microLiDAR® altimeters remain uniquely positioned to support these emerging mission needs.
Stay updated about Lightware news as it happens.
