The US Army is seeking information on systems that could possibly airdrop and then autonomously derig unmanned ground or sea vehicles without the help of operators on the ground.
According to an RFI released from the Combat Capabilities Development Command – Soldier Center (DEVCOM-SC), the system should be able to deploy a vehicle fully autonomously in under five minutes. Deployment within the first minute would be optimal, according to the RFI.
The system should be able to deliver a maximum weight of unmanned ground vehicles or vessels of up to 30,000 pounds
DEVCOM SC added that specific areas of interest include an “auto-release” of tie-down lashings and the ability to interface with existing airdrop clevises and/or hardware. This means that the system could possibly be an add-on to the Low Velocity Airdrop Delivery System (LVADS) that drops up to 22,000 pounds of rigged cargo as well as the Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS).
Other requirements state that no pyrotechnics were allowed and that no equipment should be left attached to the vehicle after release.
DEVCOM SC further added that the project to airdrop and autonomously derig unmanned ground or sea vehicles would be funded by US Transportation Command, and would be executed between fiscal year 22 and 24. Responses to the RFI are due by April 9.
