Unmanned Ground & Air System for CBRNE Contaminated Personnel Recovery

Research is proposed to investigate the feasibility of using a number of small, mobile ground robots to carry out search and recovery missions in conjunction with unmanned aircraft. This innovative approach marks a departure from the alternative monolithic ground systems currently being funded for casualty evacuation. Simulations will validate the essential elements of multiple air and ground robots collaborating to operate, plan, search, locate, lift, tow, and communicate in complex environments. Research will provide the technology to enable autonomous unmanned helicopters to acquire and carry external payloads (other robots and remains) to and from the loading zone. Results will motivate a Phase II demonstration of finding, classifying, collecting, and transporting remains of people contaminated with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) elements, to be completed in conjunction with the Combat Medic UAV Program flight demonstrations.