Drone Autonomous Tracking System SOW Revised JT.docx

Drone Autonomous Tracking System with UHF Communications Link Statement of Work

Background

PAX River Atlantic Test Range (ATR) uses different military and COTS sensors and data links to track positions of aircraft, ships, and land vehicles for comparison truth source data and for safety and situational awareness in support of flight tests for RDT&E, but current instrumentation is not suitable for a small unmanned aerial vehicle, aka UAV, UAS, and drone. For safety and situational awareness, drones need a backup system separate and autonomous from the control link in case the link communication is lost and to help recover the asset. The Drone Autonomous Tracking System will consist of COTS components, i.e., platform position sensors with transmitter to be fitted on drones, base receivers to receive the sensor transmissions, antennas, and any necessary accessories.

Scope

The requirement is for the procurement of the same equipment already in use to ensure compatibility and seamless commonality with existing hardware and software and, in addition, is the only tested and verified product that meets ATR’s stringent and specific requirement set, having been completed during the initial procurement process in accordance with the Government project schedule. Marshall Radio Telemetry equipment performed satisfactory and the performance metrics collected, such as range from receiver and operating times on different batteries. Marshall Radio Telemetry equipment is currently being utilized to successfully support test range missions with drones as well. The use of the identified product at the range is authorized for that UHF frequency band and will not interfere with other systems. The government will integrate these components into its own tracking system.

Stated Requirements R01> GPS sensor with transmitter shall receive GPS L1 signal and transmit sensor’s time, GPS position, and unique ID at no less than 10 samples per second with no more than 2 meter CEP uncertainty in horizontal position.

R02> GPS sensor with transmitter shall include integral UHF band transmitter and transmit at 432-436 MHz. DD1494 for this transmitter shall already be filed with FCC and approved. At most user must only file for license to operate the transmitters.

R03> GPS sensor with transmitter shall be powered from option of short and long life battery. Short-life battery shall provide position updates for no less than 30 minutes. Long-life battery shall provide position updates for no less than 60 minutes.

R04> GPS sensor with transmitter shall be able to connect to external battery or other power source.

R05> GPS sensor with transmitter shall have attachment options to mount to small, commercially available drones no larger than 6 inch by 6 inch.

R06> Each GPS sensor with transmitter in the system shall have a unique ID which is transmitted with the time and position. No less than 24 unique IDs shall exist.

R07> No less than 24 GPS sensors with transmitter all located within operating range of each other shall operate concurrently without interference.

R08> UHF receiver shall receive and decode time, position, and unique transmitter ID from all GPS sensors with transmitter of no less than 12 uniquely identified GPS sensor transmitters.

R09> Multiple UHF receivers shall be able to operate and respond to different sets of GPS sensors with transmitter to extend number of concurrently operating transmitters to no less than 24.

R10> Extension of horizontal tracking range shall be possible by use of two UHF receivers and mounting two sensors from different sets on one drone.

R11> UHF receiver shall provide a 100BASE-T(X) compatible Ethernet network interface and provide all received GPS sensors’ position, time, and unique ID to that interface.

R12> GPS sensor with transmitter to UHF receiver unobstructed line-of-sight range shall be no less than 3 km. 10 km range is preferred to extend use of system.

R13> Vendor shall provide documentation necessary for configuration, operation, and standard use of GPS sensors and UHF receivers by user.

R14> Vendor shall provide documentation necessary for decoding of message output from UHF receiver, to include, as a minimum, the position, time, and unique ID of each sensor, and any input message formats required for software control or configuration, if applicable.

R15> Vendor shall provide key specifications of GPS sensor and UHF receiver, to include electrical input power and voltage, operating and storage temperature range, environmental operating restrictions, and GPS sensor case materials, RF transmit power output, and DD1494 filed with FCC.

Requirements

Procurement of COTS components for the Drone Autonomous Tracking System (DATS) from vendor that satisfy stated requirements.

Required Items

28 Marshall GPS position sensors with batteries and built-in UHF transmitters and antennas, 2 Marshall UHF receivers and antennas, high gain mobile UHF antenna, software and documentation to support user system integration.

Base Station Live Streaming - UDP/Ethernet w/ST0601 Protocol

Delivery Requirements

Delivery of the products listed above shall be within 90 days after Receipt of Order.