Vanilla Unmanned Awarded Non-Traditional Airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare Contract
Vanilla UAS demonstrates multi-day maritime operations during PACFLT UxS IBP. U.S. Navy photo by Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Michael Schutt
HOLLYWOOD, MD – Platform Aerospace is pleased to announce the award of a Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) contract for Non-Traditional Airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, teamed with Progeny Systems Corporation.
This Non-Traditional Airborne ASW program will develop a concept of operations in which Vanilla Unmanned – Platform Aerospace’s ultra-long endurance UAS – augments existing manned Airborne ASW operations.
Vanilla Unmanned presents an ASW capability that expands the search capability of existing manned assets via Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), provides extended on-target coverage, reduces counter-detection risk, and aligns high-cost manned flight hours to the highest priority missions.
“While we usually focus on things above the waves, we have several former submariners on the team and we recognize the strategic importance of the ASW mission,” said Tony Jones, Platform’s Director of Mission Solutions and a former submarine officer. “We’re excited to demonstrate that Vanilla can both deploy ASW sensors and serve as a long-endurance communications node during ASW prosecution events.
Vanilla Unmanned holds official and unofficial world records for endurance, and is capable of flights up to 10 days covering 15,000 mi. The multi-mission heavy-lift variant which will be the primary focus of this effort can fly up to 150 lbs of payload for multi-day sorties and has demonstrated BLOS maritime operations in events including the US Pacific Fleet’s Unmanned Integrated Battle Problem (UxS IBP) exercise in April 2021.
If you’re interested in hearing more please contact Greg Pappianou, Platform Aerospace’s Chief Growth Officer (greg.pappianou@platformaero.com).
About Platform Aerospace & Progeny Systems
Platform Aerospace is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) dedicated to supporting the warfighter and its customers’ success. Platform is AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified, and specializes in manufacturing, modification and prototyping, and cutting-edge aerial ISR products.
Progeny Systems is focused on innovative warfighting engineering solutions, including integrated ASW Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR).
Distribution A - Approved for Public Release (Unlimited Distribution)