Ground Based Weaponized Unmanned Aircraft System

ABSTRACT: The Military has a critical need for a tactical weapon to engage soft, fixed targets in remote areas. A system is needed to operate semi-autonomously to destroy or disable nearby targets in support of base defense and a variety of other soft target applications within a 30km range. Brock Technologies Kinetic Fan Tactical Missile (KFTM) developed under this Phase II effort will address these issues with its modular nose, fuselage, and tail sections capable of supporting a variety of effects and expanded Guidance, Navigation, and Control systems including Automatic Target Recognition (ATR). The KFTM design is a weaponized, fire-and-forget system launched locally or remotely from a ground tube-launching crate capable of deploying multiple vehicles in quick succession without man-in-the-loop. By utilizing a systems engineering approach and advanced manufacturing techniques, the prototype systems developed under the Phase II effort will lead to a final tube-launched flight demonstration including a mock effects payload with vision based terminal guidance engaging a stationary target at a known location. BENEFIT: The focus of this technology is the support of Forward Operated Base (FOB) defense needs. However, other Military organizations, border surveillance groups, Search And Rescue (SAR) teams, and researchers could all benefit from a tube launched UAS with the capability to position effects on targets in remote areas. The KFTM could provide support to law enforcement groups via the deployment of non-lethal weapons against rioting crowds or illegal border crossers. A system with a range of 30km and fire-and-forget operation would allow the vehicle to be launched quickly, easily, thereby increasing the coverage area of the system while reducing the risks associated with deployment of similar hand-launched, slow flying weaponized UAS. Furthermore, the tube launched KFTM is an ideal candidate for US Coast Guard applications. Ship protection from pirate activities is a viable mission for the KFTM since the system is inaudible and difficult to spot from very low altitudes. The variable effects payload capabilities of the KFTM could also permit non-lethal engagement of drug or human smuggling activities continually occurring along our borders without risking Coast Guard or Border Patrol personnel.