Navy seeking white papers on submarine-launched UAS

By Justin Katz / November 3, 2020 at 10:43 AM

The Navy is seeking information from industry about unmanned aerial systems capable of being launched from submarines for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

"The Navy requires the capability of a [submarine-launched unmanned aerial system] with a 3-inch diameter form-factor to provide enhanced sensor, communication and cybersecurity capabilities," according to a public notice published last week.

"Threshold performance of the air vehicle should include electro-optic capability with reliable target solution analysis. The vehicle should remain airborne for at least one hour, operate at ranges out to the line-of-sight radio horizon, and use a variable bandwidth encrypted datalink with at least 256-bit encryption strength," the notice continues.

The service is also interested in the drone's design allowing for modifications to make it suitable for a variety of deployments over the course of the next five years.

The deadline for industry to submit white papers about their capabilities is Nov. 16.

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