The Army is seeking to rapidly acquire a wide-area surveillance capability for its new RQ-21 Integrator Uncrewed Aerial Systems. Currently, Insitu Pacific is delivering 24 domestically built Integrators along with their support systems through Project Def 129.
As delivered, the UAS are equipped with an Ascent Vision CM234 Spitfire Camera Gimbal however, that payload doesn't allow an operator to take advantage of Integrator’s extended range and endurance to perform longer-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and targeting missions
“The Integrator is fitted with an excellent targeting gimbal, however [Project Def 129] is not delivering a Wide Area Surveillance payload as part of the project and is a current gap within the Integrator's capability,” the Army Invitation to Register (ITR) released on 20 August states.
“The operating range and endurance of the Integrator platform enable it to cover a significant amount of area in both the Land and Maritime domains leading to the requirement for the platform to be fitted with a Wide Area Airborne Surveillance (WAAS) system.”
The Integrator platform only has limited margins for the WAAS payload as it needs to be carried alongside the standard gimbal to cue the other sensor. Ideally, it should weigh no more than 6 kilograms and occupy a space that is only 94 centimetres long.
Defence is working to field a representative WAAS system relatively rapidly, with the initial ITR set to close on 30 September 2024. The procurement will take place across three stages: In Stage one, three companies will be shortlisted for a test and evaluation phase from November 2024 to April 2025. Defence will provide a maximum of $75,000 to each company to support each trial that takes place. Stage two will involve selecting one company to continue testing and integration through until July 2027. Finally, in Stage three, the successful bidder will be contracted to deliver an initial eight WAAS systems.
“This system will be used to enhance situational awareness and support for long-range targeting, reconnaissance and manoeuvre operations. [It] will be used in training and on operations in support of Commonwealth Government agencies including Defence and the Australian Border Force,” the ITR states.