via NAVAIR.
Navy awards Cargo UAS contract
Wow. FireScout didn't make the cut. I wonder what that means for the program.NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- The Navy announced today the award of two fixed-price contracts to Boeing/Frontier Systems and Lockheed Martin for Cargo Unmanned Aircraft System services for $29.9 and $45.8 million respectively.
The Cargo UAS services contract is in response to an urgent needs requirement in support of Marine Corps forces in Operation Enduring Freedom. This capability will augment ground and air logistics operations, supplement rotary-wing assets and reduce warfighters’ exposure to Improved Explosive Devices in theater.
“We are trying to get this much needed capability to the warfighter as quickly as possible,” said Rear Adm. Bill Shannon, Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons. “By evaluating two different systems, we have the ability to accelerate development of technology and use it immediately to support the warfighter while maintaining competition.”
Both contracts include development of two air vehicles, three remote ground control stations and a Quick Reaction Assessment (QRA). The systems will be government-owned and contractor-operated. Each contract also includes a separate fixed-price option for a six-month deployment.
In order to meet the operational needs of the Marine Corps, the Navy made a decision to award two contracts to reduce potential deployment delays and inability to meet performance requirements. The Navy will conduct a QRA in summer 2011 to prove systems’ ability to sustain cargo-carrying capability in an operational environment. Immediately following a successful QRA, one contractor's in-country service option will be exercised and their system will deploy to OEF.
“While we only plan on deploying one system after a successful QRA, we will explore options for using the second system for future operational missions and/or science and technology development, should it also meet performance requirements,” said Capt. Tim Dunigan, Program Manger for Navy and Marine Corps Multi-Mission Tactical Unmanned Air Systems (PMA-266).
The Navy intends to field Cargo UAS in fall 2011 for a six-month deployment. After the initial deployment, Navy and Marine Corps leadership will assess the value of the capability and determine if an extension or re-compete contract should be pursued.
I always thought FireScout was a transition until the A160 matured but the K-Max makes so much sense for this mission
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of the K-Max, it would seem to be ideally suited
agreed. different subject. i'm enjoying your posts on the future of the Royal Navy. GOOD WORK!!!
ReplyDeleteThe cargo UAV is an exciting development. ISR, strike, cargo ... seems like UAVs can do it all. I wish USVs and UUVs were showing similar progress.
ReplyDeleteSol, interested in some photos from the Romanian National Day Military Parade? If so, get a glimps at this http://resboiu.wordpress.com/2010/12/01/resboiu-la-parada-de-ziua-nationala-partea-a-iii-a/. There's more where those came from.
ReplyDeletethanks sol
ReplyDeleteWhy are they taking 6 months to test this capability? They need to take a page out of the JPO MRAP Playbook, and accelerate their processes -- these Marines are at war, and these unmanned rotorcraft might well determine the future for some Marine truck drivers! Speed up the process, and remember the 19 year old LCpl in a combat zone is the customer, not a collection of slow DoD acquisition processes!
ReplyDeleteThe K-Max technology is already proven why not use it and test the Hummingbird concurently?
ReplyDeletei agree with ya Leesa...but i think Special Ops Command had a hand in the A160 getting selected.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous...it seems like its all about money and not about winning this war...its frustrating and annoying...but again, i agree with ya 100%