Breaking news
DARPA launches Request for Informations for aircraft-based multiple unmanned aircraft systems.
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World
Defense & Security Industry News - DARPA |
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| DARPA launches Request for Information for aircraft-based multiple unmanned aircraft systems | |||
The
Pentagon is looking for ways to base multiple unmanned drones aboard larger
aircraft, from which the drones will depart and return after they fly
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in hard-to-reach
areas, according to a new request from the Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA). |
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The request for
information released over the weekend seeks drones that would be based
on larger aircraft, such as B-52 or B-1 bombers or C-130 transport planes,
to cite a few examples. The smaller drones would then fly from the larger
planes, conduct their missions and return to the aircraft, which would
then be able to fly away from potentially contested airspace.
"The agency envisions a large aircraft that, with minimal modification, could launch and recover multiple small unmanned systems from a standoff distance," the request for information says. Drones are continuing to play a larger role in U.S. military and intelligence operations, including flights over Africa and the Middle East in search of terrorist groups. DARPA's latest request is part of a series of research programs aimed at developing aircraft and weapons that will enable U.S. forces to cover large distances to get to coastal and other regions that are often protected by rival forces. Earlier this year,
DARPA released requests for long-range, anti-ship missiles that would
break down the defenses of potential rivals as China and Iran, as well
as underwater drones that would be based aboard larger submarines. Another
DARPA plan would enable multiple drones to communicate with each other
autonomously without a central station on the ground. |
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