A -- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION UAV CONTROL AND SENSOR INFORMATION TRANSFER

Notice Date

May 23, 2001

Contracting Office

U. S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Building 5681, Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5280

ZIP Code

35898-5280

Solicitation Number

pending

Response Due

June 25, 2001

Point of Contact

CW5 Ken Shannon, Aviation Project Officer, 256-313-4460

E-Mail Address

Click here to contact the Aviation Project Officer (shannonk@comanche.redstone.army.mil)

Description

The U.S. Army Aviation Program Executive Office (PEO) is in the process of assessing the technology requirements (hardware and software) and costs associated with controlling Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) (control level 4) from the crew stations of air maneuver reconnaissance, attack and lift systems. Manned and Unmanned (MUM) Teaming (Helicopter and UAV) is a critical component of the Objective Force and as such will be fully integrated into Aviation. PEO-Aviation is requesting information in three areas. First, what technologies (hardware and software) are available in 2002, 2007 and 2012 to accomplish UAV control level 4 from air maneuver systems with minimum impact on crew workload? Second, what technologies (hardware and software) are available in the same time frame to transfer real time video and data from the UAV to the air maneuver system Mission Equipment Package (MEP) and crew station? Third, what are the estimated costs associated with the technology (hardware and software) and its integration with air maneuver systems in the different time frames? Currently there are a number of ongoing programs that are considering the hardware and software aspects of controlling unmanned vehicles and integrating information from UAV sensors into a control station. Few of these efforts are focused on a helicopter exerting level 4 control of the UAV and sensor payload and the helicopter crew's use of the sensor information. The operational benefits of using remote sensors in performing the mission and integrating that sensor feed into the Common Operating Picture is of interest. The purpose of this announcement is to request information and feedback concerning our developing topic from industry, academia, and DoD research laboratories. PEO-Aviation is interested in obtaining information on the planned topic, as well as on the innovative approaches and technologies, which afford the potential to achieve the stated objectives. Request that those from industry, academia, and DoD research laboratories who are interested in providing a presentation to the PEO-Aviation submit an information paper (Limit 5 pages) on the requested technologies (hardware and software). If your approach is accepted the Aviation PEO will contact you with a scheduled time for your briefing. The briefings are currently scheduled to take place at the PEO on 31 July and 1 August 2001. Information submitted should provide sufficient detail regarding technologies, approaches and capabilities for the Government to meaningfully assess credibility and applicability. This request for information is for purposes of exchanging information to improve understanding of the Government requirement and industry capability and is for information and planning only. This announcement must not be construed as a commitment by the Government and any information submitted by industry will not constitute an offer which could be accepted by the Government to create a binding contract. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this Request for Information or otherwise pay for the information solicited. Written responses are requested by 25 June 2001; however, earlier dialog is available. Address responses to Comanche Program Management Office, ATTN: SFAE-AV-RAH-T (CW5 Ken Shannon), Bldg 5681, Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5000. CW5 Shannon may be reached by telephone at (256) 313-4460 or by e-mail at shannonk@comanche.redstone.army.mil .

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010525/ASOL011.HTM (W-143 SN50M912)