The DMO has released a tender for expressions of interest for a naval UAS. (Boeing)
The DMO has released an invitation to register interest for a Navy Unmanned Aerial System (NUAS) to operate from the RAN’s Armidale class patrol boats.
The tender (DMOMSD/ITR0001/2014) states “The Commonwealth requires a fully integrated Naval Unmanned Aerial System (NUAS) capability on the Armidale Class Patrol Boat (ACPB)”, and suggests a fixed-wing type such as the Insitu ScanEagle or the AAI Aerosonde would be suitable.
The Navy has previously expressed interest in operating a NUAS from its patrol boats, and the manufacturer of the vessels, Austal, has displayed models of an Armidale with a ScanEagle launch and retrieve setup at previous Pacific naval expositions.
4 comments
I hope that this is not limited to the patrol boats. It should be standard fit for the AWD’s, ANZAC’s and LHD’s. A single system makes sense from training and support. UAV’s are a significant and important element in operations today and tomorrow. Let’s get on with it.
Navy use can off it new helicopter training ship their buying from Damen Shipyards (OPV) contact signed March 2014
With you there Darren.
Spell check Fed. What are you talking about?
Grammar check more like it… sounds like Fed is referring to a new aviation training and support ship / OPV ordered by the RAN which I was unaware of. Had to Google it; not too much info but this seems to be the root source: http://www.janes.com/article/35581/ran-acquires-damen-vessel-for-aviation-training