The US Special Forces Command (USSOCOM) is exploring options for either a follow on buy of the DRS Unmanned Technologies Neptune II seaplane UAV or acquisition of four new systems with similar capabilities.
SOCOM already has six Neptune systems in operational service as its Vehicle Craft Unmanned Aircraft System (VCUAS).
The proposed fleet expansion plan is based on purchase of two additional VCUAS systems in October 2007, and two further systems in October 2008.
In parallel, SOCOM wants to establish a rolling commercial logistics support arrangement for the existing Neptune systems. That proposed contract would commence in May 2007 with annual renewals running until the end of April 2013.
A request for information (RFI) released by the command 4 October calls for white papers from “firms that have current or near-term products available that can meet the USSOCOM VCUAS system requirements for potential buys in FY08-09.”
However, the RFI also reserves the option of contracting directly with DRS “if insufficient firms indicate interest and / or demonstrated capability…
“USSOCOM may procure the contracted logistics support for existing Neptune systems and additional systems sole source from DRS Unmanned Technologies Inc
The RFI closes 7 November.
Neptune first flew in January 2002 with five systems, totalling 27 UAVs, ordered by USSOCOM in March of that year. At least 15 individual air vehicles had been delivered by August 2005.
As well as water landing, Neptune is capable of ground recovery using a belly mounted skid. Launch is via a pneumatic catapult built into the UAVs standard transport container.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
