Low Cost Ground Launched Expendable Drone Trade Study

The Low Cost Ground Launched Expendable Drone Trade Study (DARPA ILED) is a ground launched expendable unmanned aerial system (UAS) that is intended to provide a low cost swarm capable system to defense forces. The goal of the program is to conduct a trade study of aircraft capable of ground launch, potentially common launch tube (CLT) compatible, from a small operational and logistic footprint. The aircraft can carry up to 15 lbs of modular payload and fly for over an hour. Aircraft design parameters such as payload size, weight, and power (SWAP), payload type, aircraft gross weight, performance metrics such as range, endurance, and airspeed, communications, and physical size will be optimized to the mission objectives targeted by the effort. The system will be designed with robust modularity to allow for alternative payloads or other desired kinetic effects. This program will result in a conceptual optimized design and configuration of the DARPA ILED air vehicle and the launcher system. Detailed design, fabrication, and prototype flight testing is intended to occur in a follow-on Phase II contract.