Army wants to develop an 'airdroppable air vehicle' prototype

The Army plans to develop an "airdroppable air vehicle" prototype that can operate in anti-access/area-denial environments, according to a government notice posted today.

In A2/AD environments, “traditional forms” of aerial delivery are not possible due to the presence of kinetic and electronic defenses, according to the notice. The Army aims to develop an aerial delivery vehicle that has an increased deployment range from the target, along with improved sensor technology.

Thursday’s notice, a request for project proposals, asks vendors to submit white papers spelling out the “capabilities and willingness of private entities to develop a preliminary Contested Aerial Delivery Development (CADD).”

The white papers, also known as pre-proposals, will be used to conduct system development, testing and evaluation of a preliminary design for the CADD capability, according to the Army.

Among the characteristics the Army is seeking are:

• The ability to securely transport a payload of at least 250 pounds, with the capability to accommodate payloads of varying shapes and dimensions up to 48 by 96 by 108 inches.
• Mechanisms to mitigate vibration and shock during flight
• Demonstration of delivery of payloads with no “significant damage” during five airdrop trials under operational conditions
• A minimum range of 150 nautical miles verified through flight tests
• Performance must be maintained at operational altitudes of 5,000 to 15,000 feet above mean sea level.
• Ability to support release velocities of between 90 and 130 knots.
• Must demonstrate “sustained flight performance” under wind conditions of between 18 and 25 knots.
• The system must autonomously stabilize within 90 seconds of release.
• The sensor kit must be able to operate in temperature ranges of 0 to 40 degrees Celsius and at humidity levels of up to 95% “non-condensing.”

The Army is asking for responses to the RPP by March 20.