Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. DE&S has a possible future requirement for a Contractor Owned Contractor Operated (COCO) provision of service to provide, initially, a single taskline of 300hrs/month of ISR coverage from a maritime platform increasing to two tasklines approx six months after IOC. Additionally the supplier must be able to conduct surge operations to meet the operational demand of the tactical commander. The system will be required to operate both day and night and be available to the user on a 24/7 basis. Due to the timescales of this UOR a COTS solution is required that will meet MAA regulations.

Broad minimum system specifications are expected to be: a loiter of 8hrs at 60Nm from launch platform, a range of 70Nm and an ability to track fast moving targets. Although anticipated to be predominantly EO/IR based, additional sensors; maritime radar, AIS receiver, MTI sensor would add capability. Based from an RFA initially and then from a T23 frigate the system must be able to operate alongside an existing aviation detachment.

The full requirement will be released as part of the ITT.