Seven bids have been submitted for the US Army's tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV) competition, although the number could rise following a deadline extension.
The competition is for an off-the-shelf unmanned air vehicle (UAVs) - equipped with electro-optical and infrared payloads - that can provide surveillance and target acquisition at up to 50km (25nm). The US Army requires 42 systems, costing less than $4 million each and with at least three air vehicles as well as a tactical control station.
The US Army expects to pick between three and five competitors for a flyoff. One will be selected to enter engineering and manufacturing development and low-rate initial production.
The original 17 June close of bidding has been extended to 30 June because of minor technical issues.
AAI with the Shadow 200, General Atomics with the Prowler II, and the team of TRW, Israel Aircraft Industries and S-TEC Unmanned Technologies with the STM-5B Sentry were among the companies that answered the request for proposals.
Freewing Aerial Robotics also confirms that it is bidding its Scorpion Tilt-Body, but would not discuss any teaming arrangements. Industry sources, however, believe the firm may have formed a partnership with Marconi Astronics. Another likely competitor is Alliant Techsystems with the Outrider, which was snubbed after unfavourable flight testing in the US military's last attempt to procure a TUAV.
France's Sagem wants to enter its SPERWER, the export derivative of the Kestrel UAV, but must find a US prime contractor to participate. Negotiations have been carried out with a number of US aerospace firms.
Source: Flight International
