Superior Plane Firm (AAC), a developer and producer of multi-rotor, tilt-wing, distributed electrical propulsion unmanned plane techniques for protection functions, at the moment introduced that it has been chosen by AFWERX for an SBIR Part II contract. targeted on additional growth to analyze its potential to handle functionality gaps inside the Division of the Air Drive (DAF). This contract will permit AAC to proceed the event of its extremely versatile Hybrid Superior Multirotor (HAMR) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) for america Air Drive.
HAMR combines a novel multi-rotor configuration with distributed electrical propulsion for prolonged endurance and a number of simultaneous payload capacities. The plane will be optimized for a variety of protection functions and mission profiles, together with tactical ISR missions, perimeter safety, search and rescue, and medical provide supply. The HAMR additionally serves as a power multiplier, offering a major improve in ISR capabilities over DoD titular ISR tactical UAS to raised serve our warfighters.
“We’re delighted to have been awarded an SBIR Part II contract and look ahead to persevering with the event of our UAS to help our warfighters on the battlefield,” stated AAC CEO Paul Allen. “Our HAMR drone’s excessive efficiency and environment friendly propulsion system, strong aerodynamic airframe, ease of use and ease of upkeep within the area make it ideally suited to demanding navy operations in probably the most austere environments.”
HAMR’s distributed electrical propulsion system features a computer-controlled, fuel-injected digital twin piston engine driving an built-in electrical generator producing as much as 4000W to energy the on-board sensors, six impartial brushless DC electrical motors and a backup battery.
The HAMR’s capabilities bridge the hole between at the moment’s Group 1 and Group 2 UAS with a most payload capability of twelve kilos. A number of redundant techniques, distant in-flight engine begin, and on-board batteries make sure the plane can function with a excessive margin of security.
The plane makes use of Line Replaceable Models (LRUs), offering fast upkeep within the area with minimal coaching, making certain minimal operational downtime. A steady growth program extends the lifetime of the plane and will increase its capabilities as new applied sciences are integrated over time.
The HAMR’s twin payload bays permit a number of sensors/gadgets to be carried concurrently or elevated gas capability. An open modular structure permits fast payload reconfiguration primarily based on software and mission. Operators can select from a variety of commercially obtainable optical or infrared cameras and LiDAR techniques. The HAMR can carry commonplace payloads for protection functions, together with electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR), and communications techniques.
Moreover, the HAMR is extremely transportable and will be launched in minutes with out the necessity for floor help infrastructure. The system will be disassembled and saved in a single case and simply transported in a standard civilian car or a small navy car.
The Air Drive Analysis Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Enterprise Innovation Analysis (SBIR) and Small Enterprise Expertise Switch (STTR) course of by accelerating the small enterprise expertise by means of quicker proposal time allocation, altering the pool of potential candidates by increasing alternatives for small companies and the lack of bureaucratic overhead by regularly implementing course of enchancment adjustments within the execution of contracts. DAF started providing the SBIR/STTR program “The Open Matter” in 2018, which expanded the vary of improvements funded by DAF. Going ahead, the AAC will proceed its journey to create and ship revolutionary capabilities that can strengthen the nationwide protection of america of America.
About Superior Plane Firm
Superior Plane Firm (AAC) develops long-endurance multi-rotor tilt-wing unmanned plane techniques for protection functions. Utilizing Distributed Electrical Propulsion (DEP) techniques and airframes, the plane are designed for long-duration operations and might carry a number of payloads of sensors and cargo. Designed to satisfy the quickly altering wants of our warfighters, the AAC VTOL UAS gives excessive pace, lengthy vary and might function in probably the most austere land and sea circumstances with no operational infrastructure required. AAC is a veteran owned and operated firm based in 2017 and primarily based in Hampton, Virginia.
To study extra, go to www.flyaac.com.
