The Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has launched a competition for a low-cost, modular unmanned aerial system (UAS) capable of performing many of the missions handled by the MQ-9A Reaper.
Under the Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) initiative, the agency is seeking a theater-range platform that can carry a variety of payloads, including full motion video sensors, for missions that the MQ-9A performs today.
The drone must be deployable for strike, scouting, communications relay, and electronic warfare, with the manufacturer having the capacity for high-rate production to quickly replace expected combat losses.
According to DIU, the solicitation aims to address efficiency concerns from relying on high-value aircraft costing more than $30 million, which the agency described as an “unacceptable compromise” against increasingly adept and inexpensive air defense systems.
“Keeping a constant airborne MMA presence … will exhaust the adversary, forcing them to burn through expensive anti-aircraft missiles and resources faster than they can be replaced,” the agency stated.
Technical Parameters
DIU wants a prototype flying within 21 months of contract award and plans to achieve an initial operating capability in fiscal 2031 with 20 mission-ready aircraft.
The desired UAS must carry at least 2,800 pounds (1,270 kilograms) of payload, have an unrefueled combat radius of 2,300 nautical miles (2,647 miles/4,260 kilometers), and be capable of self-deploying up to 8,000 nautical miles (9,206 miles/14,816 kilometers).
It must also feature an open, modular architecture for rapid payload swaps and upgrades, support secure satellite and mesh-network communications, operate with a single controller, and take off from runways of 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) or less.
The solicitation is open to US and international companies, with responses due in mid-July.
Successful prototypes could advance to follow-on production contracts without additional competition.
