Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Charging Connector/Interface

The Army Materiel Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground is conducting a Request for Information through November 20, 2026, to gather industry product data on standardized charging connectors and interfaces for Group 1 and Group 2 small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS, 0–55 pounds, below 3,500 feet operating altitude). The C5ISR Center Power Division seeks to establish a standard Army sUAS charger family to reduce logistics burden and improve interoperability across proprietary systems. This RFI defines scope as the interface between the sUAS battery and charger, which may differ from the battery-to-airframe connector.

Respondents must provide comprehensive technical detail: mechanical specifications including connector description, dimensions, and CAD drawings; electrical parameters (voltage, current, power ranges, and pin-out descriptions); communications protocols enabling Battery Management System data exchange between battery and charger; applicable data standards; intellectual property ownership and government licensing cost; and completed testing and certifications including environmental testing per MIL-STD-810 and other applicable military and commercial standards. Organizations with partial or specialized solutions are encouraged to participate.

Submissions go to usarmy.apg.mbx.c5isrcenter-uas-pe@army.mil by November 20, 2026. The RFI is voluntary, commits no contract award or payment, and will not provide individual feedback on submissions. The Army notes that evaluation results may inform whether future solicitations proceed as full and open competition or include small-business set-asides.