One-way attack (OWA) systems are critical to close combat, but warfighters also need additional strike capability that is low-cost, scalable, and backed by a resilient supply chain. The Drone Dominance Program (DDP) is launching a new effort that focuses on reusable bomber/dropper platforms in a Phase 2.5 RFS (Mission C).
DDP will award approximately $32M in initial prototype orders with additional orders planned in subsequent DDP phases. Like Mission A and B of Phase 2.0, this multi-phase plan is an advanced market commitment: the Department is posting quantities and prices up front and will award fixed price prototype deliveries with vendors whose systems meet/exceed the Gauntlet delivery requirements.
Mission C is organized around two stages: a vendor-operated bomber qualifier and military-operated bomber Gauntlet event, both executed by the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC), to identify the most capable systems for scaling and fielding. The Mission C Gauntlet will be held approximately 48 hours following the qualifier which is currently planned to take place in October.
At the completion of the DDP, multiple U.S. vendors will have demonstrated the ability to produce capable, low-cost, secure supply-chain sUAS at scale, enabling Services to integrate these capabilities into future acquisition pathways. Drone Dominance is relying on industry to innovate to complete battlefield missions, reduce unit costs, and scale production of systems which adhere to the Drone Dominance Program Supply Chain Framework.
Source: DoW