368 TRS

Technical Specifications: Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)

1. System Overview & Scope of Procurement

This specification defines the minimum technical and operational requirements for a man-packable, tactical Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) to support training, Counter-UAS (C- UAS) exercises, and tactical operations. The system must be fully compliant with federal procurement standards, specifically prioritizing domestic manufacturing capabilities and supply chain security.

1.1 Certification and Compliance

- Blue UAS Approved: The system must be currently listed on the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Blue UAS Cleared List and fully approved for Department of Defense (DoD) / Department of Water (DoW) and federal agency procurement.

- Country of Origin: Must comply with NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) procurement policies.

2. System Configuration & Quantity Requirements

To support back-to-back tactical training exercises, the procurement package must include the following quantities and battery configurations:

- Aircraft Quantity: Three (3) complete, identical UAS platforms (allowing for two active operational systems and one on-site operational spare).

- Operational Flight Profile: The training program requires conducting two (2) back-to-back C-UAS training exercises. Each exercise session is 1.5 hours in duration (3.0 hours total). During each session, two (2) UAS platforms must fly concurrently for the entire duration. Total required operational flight time is 3.0 continuous hours for two active systems.

- Battery Package Requirements: Batteries provided with the systems must support a total of 3.0 hours of cumulative flight time two active systems without requiring recharging during the exercise (battery swaps are permitted). The procurement must include a sufficient quantity of high-capacity, rechargeable smart batteries, ensuring seamless back-to-back 1.5-hour sessions with negligible down-time for battery hot-swaps.

- Spare Parts: Each individual UAS must be delivered with a minimum of one (1) full set of spare propellers (4 props total per spare set) and necessary mounting hardware.

3. Aircraft Technical Specifications

3.1 Flight & Performance Capabilities

- Takeoff and Landing: Must support Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) from restricted environments.

- Deployment Time: Ready to launch from a folded/stowed state in under five (5) minutes.

- Environmental Resistance:

o Ingress Protection: Minimum IP53-rated rain and dust resistance, allowing for operations in inclement weather.

o Wind Resistance: Capable of stable flight, navigation, and landing in high-wind conditions (minimum wind resistance of 15 m/s or 33 mph).

o Operating Temperature: Stable performance in temperatures ranging from -

20 °C to +50 °C (-4 °F to +122 °F).

o Indoor Capabilities: Must feature dedicated indoor flight modes, utilizing non-GPS optical flow or visual positioning sensors to maintain stable hovering in enclosed, GNSS-denied environments.

3.2 Guidance, Navigation & Safety Sensors

- Satellite Navigation: Integrated Multi-GNSS receiver supporting GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo.

- Return to Home (RTH): Automated and user-triggered safety Return to Home (RTH) features, active during signal loss, low battery, or manual command.

- Sensor Payload: Built-in barometer and magnetometer (compass) for telemetry and heading data.

- Obstacle Avoidance: Integrated multi-directional obstacle detection and avoidance sensors (stereo cameras or equivalent) with active avoidance software to prevent collisions in complex tactical environments.

- Launch/Landing Platform: System must include one (1) heavy-duty, portable, high-visibility launch/landing pad to protect the sensor gimbal from dust, debris, and uneven terrain during ground operations.

4. Payload & Sensor Specifications (EO/IR)

The platform must feature a stabilized, multi-sensor EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) camera payload mounted on a controllable 3-axis gimbal.

4.1 Electro-Optical (EO) Camera

- Video Feed: Real-time high-definition (HD) video stream (minimum 1080p at 30 fps) to the controller and headset.

- Resolution: Minimum 4K video recording and high-resolution image capturing.

- Long-Range Optical Zoom: High-magnification zoom lens.

*4.2 Infrared (IR) / Thermal Camera

- Tactical Thermal Imaging: Long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensor for cover, concealment, and night tracking practice.

- *Note: Will accept lower priced model without this capability.

5. Ground Control Station (GCS) & Headset Equipment

- Each system must include a complete set of command, control, and viewing hardware.

o Remote Controller (GCS): Ruggedized handheld controller featuring an integrated high-brightness, daylight-readable display.

o *FPV Headset: Includes a high-resolution, low-latency FPV headset to support immersive piloting and reconnaissance.

*Note: Will accept model without that provides third party FPV headset capabilities or lower priced model without this capability.

- Operational Endurance: GCS and headset internal batteries (or hot-swappable external batteries) must support a minimum of 3.0 hours of continuous operational runtime under active transmission conditions.

- Transmission Range: Minimum reliable transmission and control range of 2.0 miles (3.2 km) line-of-sight in typical operational conditions.

6. Cybersecurity & Secure Communications

To comply with federal and military operational standards, the communications architecture must remain vendor-neutral while ensuring maximum data security.

- Encryption: AES-256 bit encryption at both the packet and radio-transmission level for all control signals and video feeds.

- Data Privacy: Local storage option allowing complete air-gapped operations. No requirement for external internet connection, forced cloud login, or third-party server synchronization to operate the aircraft or access flight logs.

- Firmware Integrity: Cryptographically signed firmware to prevent unauthorized modification or malicious uploads.

- Cybersecurity Standards: Compliant with FIPS 140-2 (or equivalent federal information processing standards).

7. Logistics, Portability & Support

7.1 Rugged Carrying Case

- Construction: Heavy-duty, crushproof, water-resistant, hard-plastic utility shell (e.g., Pelican-style injection-molded case).

- Interior: Custom-molded, high-density, closed-cell foam interior.

- Capacity: Specifically cut to securely store and transport the entire tactical kit, including:

o One (1) UAS aircraft (folded).

o Ground Control Station (controller).

o FPV headset.

o All standard and spare batteries (including chargers and power cables).

o Spare propellers, launch pad, tools, and documentation.

7.2 Virtual Training Simulator

- Software Application: Must include a high-fidelity virtual flight simulator application.

- Purpose: Allows operators to practice piloting, test flight modes, and log simulated training flight hours without deploying physical hardware, reducing equipment wear and minimizing accident risk during training.

7.3 Warranty & Sustainment Support

- Standard Warranty: Minimum 12-month comprehensive manufacturer warranty.

- Coverage: Covers repair or replacement of any components exhibiting defects in materials, workmanship, or software failures under normal operational conditions.