The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has awarded a brand new contract below the Bandit programme to develop an uncrewed air car (UAV) for adversary air (ADAIR) training missions.
The small enterprise innovation analysis contract was received by North Carolina-based Blue Force Technologies.
It was awarded after a strategic financing (STRATFI) proposal was chosen by the USAF programme AFWERX. The initiative carries an preliminary worth of $9m and choices to develop up to 4 UAVs.
Under the contract, Blue Force Technologies will develop a high-performance UAV design that can be utilized by USAF fighter plane pilots for training.
The use of UAVs will allow Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps fighter jet crew to endure adversary air training at decreased prices.
In 12 months, the programme is anticipated to full the essential design degree, carry out engine floor testing and validate the design to assist engine set up.
AFRL subject material consultants will present technical steerage to the event.
If the choices are exercised, the programme will additional advance to full design and engineering duties, produce up to 4 air automobiles and conduct preliminary flight testing.
AFRL Bandit programme supervisor Alyson Turri stated: “These small unmanned ADAIR programs might be flown in training eventualities in order that fighter pilots can prepare in opposition to tactically related adversaries in risk consultant numbers.
“The goal is to develop an unmanned platform that looks like a fifth-generation adversary with similar vehicle capabilities.”
The Bandit programme seeks to ship an autonomous air car outfitted with mission payloads and sensors that may assist in reworking adversary air training.
Earlier this month, LinQuest secured a activity order to assist AFRL’s Skyborg Vanguard Programme.
