Navy surveys industry for companies to build prototype uncrewed cargo aircraft for battlefield resupply
Summary points:
- Navy wants large uncrewed cargo aircraft with 1,300-pound payloads.
- UAV will deliver JLTV tires, generators, and medical equipment to Marines on the front lines.
- Submit 20-page capability statements by 24 June 2025; contracts are expected this fall.
PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md. – U.S. Navy logistics experts are surveying industry to find companies that can develop prototype large uncrewed aircraft able to deliver 1,300-pound cargo payloads from ships offshore to invasion beaches.
Officials of the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., issued a request for information (N0042125RFPREQWPM2630309) last week for the Long Range Heavy Lift Unmanned Logistics Systems-Air (ULS-A) project.
These large uncrewed cargo aircraft for battlefield resupply would enable U.S. Marines on invasion beaches to receive Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) tires with rims; air conditioners, generators, and ground-refueling equipment; tri-wall containers with palletized loads; and medical supplies.
100-nautical-mile range
These uncrewed cargo aircraft prototypes should be able to deliver cargo to the battlefield during the day and at night; should be ruggedized and ready to use; be able to carry payloads of at least 1,300 pounds to as far away as 100 nautical miles; be capable of autonomous launch from a small confined areas; be recovered autonomously within the same confined areas as launch; and have man-portable ground-control stations able to monitor the aircraft's position and control its movements.
Companies interested should email 20-page capability statements no later than 24 June 2025 to the Navy's Joseph Perriello at [email protected] and Raymond Cannon at [email protected]. A contract to build three prototype large cargo uncrewed aircraft is expected as early as next fall.
Email questions or concerns to Joseph Perriello at [email protected] and Raymond Cannon at [email protected]. More information is online at https://sam.gov/opp/8b2d8657f8654a589eeaa2425959c850/view.
John Keller | Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.
