Radio-Controlled Class 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Target Drone
ID: FA8213UASType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8213 AFLCMC EBHKHILL AFB, UT, 84056-5820, USA

NAICS

Aircraft Manufacturing (336411)

PSC

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT (1550)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/158e811448a14bb5a3f40fc0f50e140a/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking information regarding the procurement of a Radio-Controlled Class 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) target drone that replicates the characteristics and functionality of the Shahed-136 drone. The primary objective is to acquire approximately 16 cost-effective, gas-powered drones that are exact 1:1 replicas in form, fit, and function, capable of a minimum flight distance of 50 miles, and designed for pneumatic launch by a small team. These drones will be utilized for training and testing purposes within counter Unmanned Aerial System (cUAS) programs, emphasizing the importance of accurate emulation of the Shahed-136 for effective operational readiness. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit their capabilities, including specifications, training requirements, and a Rough Order of Magnitude for the procurement, with delivery expected at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. For further inquiries, contact Jesse Whinham at jesse.whinham@us.af.mil or Elizabeth Dykes at elizabeth.dykes@us.af.mil.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    CLASS 3 UAS- RFI.docx
    This Request for Information (RFI) is issued by the Armament Directorate (EB) at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, seeking a Cost-Effective Radio-Controlled Class 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). This RFI is not a solicitation but aims to gather information on UAS solutions for Weapon System Qualification and Certification. Key requirements for the UAS include operation by three or fewer people, autonomous flight capabilities, open system architecture for payload integration, a weight range of 55 to 1,320 lbs, operation generally below 18,000 feet, speeds under 250 knots, and multiple launch methods such as rocket assist or pneumatic. Interested parties are asked to provide information on training/certification requirements, necessary support equipment, business size (small or large), catalog pricing, and ROM/quotes for quantities of 6 and 10 drones with support equipment and training.
    CLASS 3 UAS- RFIv2.pdf
    The United States Government (USG) is seeking information for the procurement of approximately 16 counter Unmanned Aerial System (cUAS) drones, with an option for 20 more, to support the development of next-generation cUAS weapons programs. The primary requirement is for a cost-effective, radio-controlled Class 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) target drone that is a 1:1 reverse-engineered copy (form, fit, and function) of the Shahed-136 suicide drone. Vendors must be able to design and develop their own copy without a provided Technical Data Package (TDP). Key specifications include a rear-facing propeller with identical characteristics to the Shahed-136, same shape/profile, and payload capacity. The UAS must be operable by three or fewer people, capable of pneumatic launch, autonomous flight from takeoff to landing, and have an open system architecture for payload integration. It must weigh between 55 and 1,320 lbs, operate generally below 18,000 feet, and reach speeds under 250 knots. Interested parties are requested to provide information on required certifications/training, support equipment, business size (large/small), catalog pictures and specifications demonstrating Shahed-136 replication, and a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) for 16 drones (plus 20 optional) including training, shipping, packaging, delivery schedule, and support equipment. Delivery is required at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
    CLASS 3 UAS- RFI.docx
    The federal government has issued a Request for Information (RFI) concerning the development of a cost-effective Class 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) intended for weapon system qualification and certification. Interested parties must deliver the UAS to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and it should meet specific operational and technical criteria, including autonomous operation, open system architecture, a weight range of 55 to 1,320 lbs, and the capability to operate at altitudes below 18,000 feet and speeds under 250 knots. The RFI seeks to gather information on associated training, support equipment, pricing, and the capability of small or large businesses to fulfill these requirements. Submitters are asked to provide rough order magnitudes (ROM) for quantities of six and ten drones, including the necessary support and training. This RFI does not constitute a solicitation but aims to inform the government of available UAS capabilities in the marketplace.
    Q and A RFI Radio-Controlled Class 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Target Drone Update 1.pdf
    The U.S. government is seeking commercially available, exact 1:1 replicas of the Shahed-136 Class 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) target drone. This Request for Information (RFI) emphasizes an urgent need for a gas-powered drivetrain to emulate the original propulsion system. The target drones must be 1:1 copies in form, fit, and function, capable of a minimum 50-mile flight, and fall within a weight range of 55 to 1,320 lbs, operating below 18,000 feet and under 250 knots. GPS-denied capabilities and radar evasion are not required. Contractors must provide their own pneumatic launching systems. This initiative is based on existing market research, indicating that reverse-engineered drones are currently available, and the government will not provide a Shahed-136 for reverse engineering or fund drone development. This RFI aims to identify additional market options beyond initial research findings.
    Q and A RFI Radio-Controlled Class 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Target Drone.pdf
    The Q&A RFI for a Radio-Controlled Class 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Target Drone outlines the specific requirements for a Shahed-136 replica. Key specifications include a gas-powered drivetrain to emulate the original propulsion system, an exact 1:1 replica in form and fit, and a minimum flight distance of 50 miles. The drone is not required to have GPS denied capabilities or radar evasion capabilities. This RFI aims to procure a target drone that closely mimics the Shahed-136 for training or testing purposes.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Radio-Controlled Class 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)
    Currently viewing
    Sources Sought
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