U-BASE: Fully Autonomous Basing Platform for Unmanned Systems

Infoscitex proposes to develop U-BASE, a platform enabling fully autonomous operation of unmanned systems for multiple missions and extended durations. U-BASE integrates autonomous recovery, refuel and launch of UAV’s into a single system. The technologies employed by U-BASE are applicable to a range of unmanned systems, making it a highly versatile enabler of unmanned operations. The recovery mechanism is based on demonstrated technology to recover UAV’s directly onto a ground platform. The automated refueling system will be designed by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). RPI will adapt automation technologies that it has successfully inserted into industrial manufacturing lines, using a sensing and control system specially designed to handle the greater uncertainty inherent in the military environment. The launch system will use existing pneumatic launch technology adapted for platform integration. In Phase I, the launch, recovery and refueling components will be designed, and an integrated system architecture will be defined. In Phase II, field testing of functional subsystems will occur, with progression to a flight demonstration of full turn-around. The system design is capable of integration into many platforms of interest, including trailers, ground vehicles, and sea platforms.