Dept. of Veterans Affairs pilot program update; Cargo UAVs

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is interested in understanding the available technology and configuration options that address the need for an unmanned aircraft to provide air cargo delivery in support of Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare.

ONR is requesting information in three areas:

Air Vehicles and their associated key enabling technologies. Emphasis should be on critical specific enablers, not generic technologies that are available or in development for other applications.
Intelligent autonomy capabilities that could enhance cargo support
Logistics analyses that support the above.

      The ideal candidate for the unmanned air vehicle (UAV) would be a ship-board compatible, high speed VTOL platform that is autonomous, affordable, rugged and reliable. Information is desired for systems that could provide the warfighter with a Cargo UAS in any of three notional time frames: (1) near-term - currently at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 and available for fielding within the next five years; (2) mid-term - possible to mature to a TRL 6 within the next five years, and fielded within 5-10 years; and (3) possible to mature to a TRL 6 within the next 10 years, and fielded within 15 years. ONR is particularly interested in what science and technology investments might be necessary for these latter two timeframes. A TRL of 6 is defined as a representative system/subsystem model or prototype system demonstrated in a relevant environment.

     In response to significant changes to the nature of combat operations across the range of conflicts, the USMC has identified the need to distribute combat units over larger geographic areas through which ground supply routes may not always be optimal or secure.

     Although the notional size of an individual combat unit requiring logistic support is a Marine Corps company, the flexibility to occasionally resupply smaller units may also prove beneficial. Additionally, for certain operations or phases of operations, logistic support may be required directly from naval vessels located a considerable distance from shore.

     Given the need for flexibility over a broad range of operational conditions, the specific requirements for the unmanned air vehicle are not rigidly defined and are provided as advisory in nature. The performance objectives stated below are general in nature , but are intended to address the recently released USMC universal need statement for a cargo unmanned aircraft system (Cargo UAS).