Navy seeking white papers on submarine-launched UAS

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.