UAV Launcher

Description

The United Kingdom (UK) Ministry of Defence (MOD) is seeking to acquire a Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) portable solution for launching unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of varying configurations. The Anticipated Key User Requirements (KUR) of the launch system are that it shall: 1. Be able to launch a UAV with a Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) of 40kg at a velocity of 25m/s and an MTOW of 75kg at 35m/s 2. Have a launch G force that can be adjustable in the field with no special tools, or the maximum launch force should be able to be pre-set before deployment 3. Have sufficient clearance from the launch mechanism to the propeller to launch a platform of a pusher propeller configuration 4. Be either mounted on a trailer that is movable by a civilian 4x4 with standard tow hook as a minimum or is preferably mountable to the cargo bed of a 4x4 Pickup type vehicle 5. Be provided with operating, maintenance and repair training material with spares packages and field repair options 6. Be available for test / demo within the UK within 3 weeks of contract award These KUR’s are, at this stage, estimations and will be further defined throughout the generation of the full set of requirements documentation. The required technical solution is for the provision of a portable UAV launching system. As such, the UK MOD are looking to place a contract for the design, development and testing of a system that meets the requirements stated above. The RFI consists of several questions which allow potential suppliers to provide details of how they might respond to a future Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the requirement. Please note that this is a Request For Information only. This request is not a commitment by the Authority to launch a formal procurement process and the requirement described is subject to change. The objective of this RFI is to explore existing solutions available in the market.