Request for Information (RFI) for Navy Collaborative Combat Aircraft Increment 1 Prototype Project

The U.S. Navy, through NAVAIR and PMA‑228, is seeking industry capability statements for the Increment 1 prototype of a carrier‑compatible, autonomous, weaponized unmanned air vehicle (UAV) that can launch from and recover to Gerald R. Ford‑class and Nimitz‑class carriers. The effort is a market‑research RFI intended to inform a future prototype project that may be awarded under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA). Two fully functional prototypes are to be developed, demonstrated, and carrier‑certified within a three‑year period. The solicitation emphasizes modular open‑systems architecture, high‑precision landing, extended range, payload capacity (up to four 2,500‑lb weapons), survivability, cyber‑security, digital‑engineering twins, and collaborative manned‑unmanned teaming (MUM‑T). Respondents must submit a 10‑page capability statement and 10 pages of supporting material by 18 Sept 2026. • Develop and demonstrate two autonomous carrier‑capable UAV prototypes (≤ 3 years). • Meet carrier launch/arrested‑landing, JPALS, and deck‑footprint constraints. • Provide reconfigurable payload capacity (4 × 2,500 lb weapons). • Integrate with Navy C2 systems (MD‑5 UMCS) and adhere to MOSA, UAI, OMS standards. • Deliver digital twins, Platform‑in‑a‑Box models, and autonomy software with clear safety‑critical segregation. • Supply a manufacturing plan targeting ≤ $30 M per unit and a cost‑share proposal. • Address cybersecurity (CMMC 2+, NIST 800‑171), data‑rights (OMIT, FFF), and classification handling.