Description
The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is seeking to develop and assess emergent prototype loitering munitions, specifically Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) Aerial Loitering Munitions (ALM) that are safely recoverable, reusable, and feature a Modular Lethal Payload (MLP). The goal is to identify solutions that are low-cost, first-person-view (FPV) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that can deliver precision kinetic effects. The development should focus on three integrated lines of work: autonomy and development, high-voltage electronic safe and arm device integration, and fielding test systems. The solution must meet primary attributes such as size/range, payload, power, communication, operating temperature, technology readiness level, and precision.
Some key requirements include:
• Size/Range: The MKLD shall meet the requirements of Echelon 0: Nano systems will weigh less than 5 pounds and have a kinetic range of 1 kilometer (km) threshold (T) and 3km (O); Micro systems will weigh between 5-10 pounds and have a kinetic range of 5km (T) and 10km (O); and Mega systems will weigh between 11-55 pounds and have a kinetic range of 10km (T) and 20km (O).
• Payload: Platforms shall be able to carry full payloads to engage targets at ranges of at least 1km and fly at full payload for at least 15 minutes. Payloads expected to weigh between 150g-3600g.
• Power: The MKLD shall have the ability to swap batteries rapidly in the field with no tools.
• Communication: Communication equipment shall be operated in the approved DoW bandwidth for UAS and experience no lost comms within the threshold distance >80% of mission time.
• Operating Temperature: MKLD should be capable of operating from -10℃ to +40℃ per MIL-STD-810H Method 503.7.
• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): MKLD must be either TRL-6 or TRL-7.
• Precision: MKLD weaponized payloads shall have Circular Error of Probability (CEP) <1.5m.