The Army wants information from industry on production-ready weapons systems that would be suitable to integrate on AAI Corp.’s [TXT] Shadow tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAS) with the POP 300D laser designator.

The Army has given the nod to rewinging the TUAS and other modifications, and recently was considering putting weapons on the vehicle (Defense Daily, April 20).

Potential weapons systems must be ready to field within 12 months from the date of a potential contract award, said the request for information (RFI) from Army Aviation and Missile Command Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (M&S), Program Management (PM) Joint Attack Munition Systems (JAMS).

The primary interest is in weapon systems that weigh approximately 25 pounds or less for the total system, which would include the munition, launcher, wiring, fire control interface, etc.

The weapons system should be able to engage stationary and moving targets such as light vehicles and dismounted combatants in day and night conditions with low collateral damage when launched from a Shadow UAS flying at speeds of 60-70 knots and between 5,000 and 12,000 feet Above Ground Level (AGL), the RFI states.

As well, terminal accuracy must be on the order of that demonstrated by currently fielded Semi Active Laser/Imaging Infrared/Millimeter Wave (SAL/IIR/MMW) weapons.

The RFI provides a list of 19 different items it would like in any industry response, including such things as a top level system description and operational concept. The list also includes cost estimates for prototypes and unit production for assumed buys of 250, 500, 1,000 and 2,500 munitions and complementary launchers/wiring/stores management system. As well, an assessment of the product’s technology readiness level, to include key subsystems, and any planned near term test and demonstration events.

Responses to the RFI are not constitute evaluation criteria and will be used for information and planning purposes only.

Responses are due May 10, with a not-to exceed 15-page limit. It is requested that no classified data be provided, the RFI said.

Submit any questions on the RFI to Felicia Jones at 256-842-7141 or [email protected].