22 January 2021

US Army hosting ‘low collateral' C-sUAS demo

by Ashley Roque

The US Army will evaluate counter-small unmanned aerial system (C-sUAS) technologies ideal for urban environments during an industry demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, in April.

In mid-January, the service released a request for information asking interested vendors to submit White Papers detailing technologies capable of downing group 1 and 2 UAS that weigh less than 25 kg, travel at speeds less than 250 kt, and operate at altitudes less than 1,066 m.

After reviewing the White Papers, the army will select up to 10 companies to present oral presentations about their capabilities. The service will then pick up to five C-sUAS options to participate in the “low collateral interceptor” demonstration.

“The low collateral effects interceptor demonstration event is intended to find solutions to defeat small UASs in an environment that requires minimal collateral damage to the surrounding environment or personnel,” the service wrote. “Specific, but not limited, uses would include defeating small UAS in urban environments, over sensitive sites, or situations where the rules of engagement would not allow kinetic effects.”

First Lieutenant Taylor Barefoot programmes a C-UAS on a Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (LMADIS) during a predeployment training exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California in 2018. This system, and future versions, will be used by all the services as the mounted/mobile C-sUAS. (USMC)

The upcoming event follows the army’s selection of seven interim C-sUAS technologies last year. To continue evaluating capabilities, the Joint C-sUAS Office (JCO) plans to conduct a series of ‘semi-annual’ events to see what else is available.

“Future opportunities to participate in demonstration events for other JCO focus areas will be posted separately,” the service added.

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