Autonomous Leader-Follower UAS Formation for Enhanced Mission Resilience and Reduced Operator Workload

This government solicitation, DAF26BZ01-DV002, seeks proposals for developing an affordable, robust, and reliable autonomous leader-follower Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) formation capability. The primary objective is to enable a single First-Person View (FPV) pilot to command and control multiple UAS effectively, thereby reducing operator workload and enhancing mission resilience in contested environments. Key features required include seamless pilot reassignment, synchronized terminal guidance, an energy-efficient stasis mode for follower units, and advanced target designation. The system should incorporate AI-based autonomous control algorithms, resilient communication networks, and robust sensor fusion. This is a Direct to Phase 2 (D2P2) topic, requiring offerors to demonstrate prior feasibility work. Phase II deliverables include a functional prototype, technical reports, user manuals, and a transition strategy, aiming for a mid-term field test with at least three UAS to achieve TRL 6. Desired Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) specify control of a minimum of three UAS, high accuracy for formation maintenance, terminal guidance, and target designation, rapid pilot reassignment, low stasis mode power consumption, and extended communication range and autonomous operation time. Cybersecurity is a critical consideration. The technology has dual-use applications in search and rescue, precision agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and security/surveillance.