DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office is seeking information on revolutionary concepts for heavy lift uncrewed aerial systems that are capable of lifting a 70,000lb (31.75 metric ton) payload utilising current commercial off the shelf engines and drive chain technology.
This RFI is looking for breakthrough concepts that fundamentally change the current paradigm. Responses that are incremental improvements on current concepts are not desired. Submissions for designs or derivatives of standard helicopter, multirotor copters, tail sitters, or jump platforms with wing kits are not of interest. There are no restrictions on internal vs external cargo.
The bottom line is that the US needs to move large and heavy cargo cheaply.
Examples are moving a 40ft ISO container off a container ship 10 miles out at sea onto land, or a Bradley fighting vehicle from one side of a canyon to the other.
Responses to this RFI may be used to inform and explore future programs that will seek to build and test concepts at scale.
Response are due 20 December 2024 and are to be submitted to DARPA-SN-24-109@darpa.mil.
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Request for Information – Cost Efficient Cargo: DARPA-SN-24-109
