DIU CSO #PROJ00626

Solicitation for Massed Modular Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), part of the U.S. Department of Defense, is seeking innovative solutions for a massed, modular Unmanned Aerial System (UAS): - Government Buyer: - Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), U.S. Department of Defense - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; solicitation is open to both U.S. and international manufacturers - Products/Services Requested: - Massed Modular Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) - Minimum payload capacity: 2,800 lbs - Unrefueled combat radius: at least 2,300 nautical miles - One-way self-deployment: at least 8,000 nautical miles - Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) for rapid integration and upgrades - Autonomous control and resilient hybrid SATCOM/mesh communications - Sufficient size, weight, power, and cooling for various payloads - Initial Operating Capability: 20 mission-ready aircraft - Full-scale prototype flight testing required within 21 months of award - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Emphasis on modularity and rapid upgrade capability - System must support autonomy and resilient communications - Open to both U.S. and international vendors, with eligibility for Other Transaction agreements under 10 USC 4022 - Targeted for rapid prototyping and operational deployment

Description

The solicitation seeks a cost-effective, theater-range, massed, and modular Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) designed to provide a flexible, operationally-responsive, risk-tolerant option in the air domain. The system should be capable of deploying many aircraft simultaneously to ensure persistent overwhelming credible threat despite inevitable attrition. Desired features include a payload capacity of at least 2800 lbs, unrefueled combat radius of at least 2300 nautical miles, and the ability to self-deploy one-way at least 8,000 nautical miles. The system must support rapid integration and upgrades, autonomy for control, resilient communications, and tactical relevance with sufficient size, weight, power, and cooling for various payloads. Full-scale prototype flight testing is expected within 21 months of award, targeting Initial Operating Capability in FY2031 with 20 mission-ready aircraft.

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