US Army Issues RFI for Smart Aerostat to support Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance in Afghanistan

The Rapid Equipping Force (REF) has a requirement to purchase Unmanned Aircraft System to support Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Shortfalls in the environmentally inhospitable operating environment of Afghanistan.

This requirement includes a requirement for operators and Field Service Representatives (FSRs) to provide FSR support and new equipment training. The UAS shall provide for remote, safe, persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. The airship must stay on station even in less favorable environmental conditions that would ground UAS of comparable size, features, or classification.

The platform shall have a capability for Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL). The platform shall be a lighter than air (LTA) platform that is easily deployable in either a mobile or tethered state. The Airship shall remain functional while flying even in non-ideal conditions. The Airship must fly in winds up to but not less than 25 knot winds. The system shall be deployable utilizing no more than two Soldiers. The Airship shall have an active onboard systems (“smart aerostat”) its fins will continue to use their movable surfaces to stabilize and trim the UAS, safety systems will prevent fly always in the event that the tether line was cut.

Source: Fed BizOpps

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