SOCOM searching for reconfigurable ‘drone-in-a-box’ systems that can fly and drive
U.S. Special Operations Command is pursuing a concept called “Drone in a Box” that aims to give commandos reconfigurable platforms that could serve as unmanned aerial systems or ground robots — depending on their location and operating environment.
The SOFWERX innovation hub and SOCOM’s program executive office for tactical information systems are gearing up for assessment events to evaluate industry solutions.
The office intends to “explore available capabilities that can support USSOCOM’s vision for a configurable uncrewed air/ground system. This system should enable the Warfighter to adapt and respond to evolving multidomain mission sets, providing a flexible and dynamic solution that can be tailored to meet the unique demands of modern warfare,” according to a special notice.
The technology could support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, allowing commandos to employ small drones or ground robots for tasks such as area observation, target tracking and battle damage assessment.
“This innovative approach enables operators to rapidly reconfigure and tailor their systems to meet specific ISR mission requirements by swapping out interchangeable parts and components from an assembly package. The assembly package will include modular frames, propulsion systems, a sensor, and payload modules (such as electro-optical, infrared, and signals intelligence sensors), power and energy modules, control and navigation systems, and communication systems, allowing Warfighters to quickly adapt to changing mission requirements,” officials wrote in the document, noting that the ground robot capability could be used in areas that aren’t as conducive to deploying unmanned aerial systems — such as places with buildings or heavy tree cover that would obscure the view of sensors on UAS flying overhead.
Officials didn’t specify whether the uncrewed systems should be tele-operated or fly and drive with a high level of autonomy. However, SOCOM has previously shown interest in AI and other technologies that could enable autonomous capabilities for ISR ops.
SOFWERX is planning to host a collaboration event with industry in April to discuss operational needs and assess “current capabilities of production model solutions for a configurable multidomain system.”
The next phase will include vendor submissions for a follow-on assessment event, which is slated to take place in July after a downselect.
Following the assessments, SOCOM may negotiate awards with vendors whose solutions are favorably evaluated.
Industry responses to the special notice are due March 24.
This initiative isn’t the first time that SOCOM has shown an interest in “multidomain” uncrewed systems. Just a few months ago, the command released a special notice about its desire for micro drones that could be launched from a variety of platforms and operate in multiple domains — including in the air and underwater.
