The Army envisions unmanned aircraft working as scouts for ground vehicles, and has published a sources-sought notice to learn whether suitable navigation technology already exists.
The ideal Autonomous UAS Navigation system will be able to:
- Fly the unmanned craft at speeds ranging from stationary to a ground speed of up to 12 kph in advance of vehicle.
- Fly at three to 30 meters above ground level and a distance of zero to 60 meters in advance of the supporting ground vehicle.
- Match speed with the ground vehicle once the distance in advance of the ground vehicle is achieved.
- Allow for manual mode override in order to facilitate operator investigation of target areas of interest.
- Allow for adjustment in speed, altitude, and distance in advance of a moving or stationary vehicle.
- Follow roads in advance of a vehicle moving over complex routes.
The Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground filed the notice on behalf of the Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate. The notice seeks a white paper and capabilities demonstration.
