Demonstrations test the case for naval resupply UAS
Blue Water UAS technology demonstration on USS Gerald R. Ford in January 2021. (Photo: Skyways)
The Blue Water UAS could be on track to become a USN programme of record.
Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is optimistic that the Blue Water naval logistics UAS will become a programme of record with the USN, following successful technology demonstrations in recent months.
In February 2021, a few days later than scheduled, the Blue Water system was flight tested by UX-24 (the UAS test and evaluation unit within NAVAIR). The UAV — carrying a payload of logistics equipment — landed on the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford.
More recently, in July, the Blue Water system successfully carried out a two-week experiment flying between the flight decks of a supply ship (
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements]()
GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements
The US Government Accountability Office recently released two reports; one into the availability of selected equipment and another looking at how the government gets data and intellectual property rights through contracting.
-
![How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence]()
How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence
The Canadian Department of National Defence has been increasing efforts to accelerate the acquisition of new equipment and modernise its in-service inventory.
-
![Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing]()
Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing
The partnership with the US airframer will see Palantir’s AI software leveraged to help streamline data analytics across Boeing’s 12 factories on defence and classified programmes.
-
![DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities]()
DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities
DroneShield disclosed to Shephard its plans to increase its workforce and manufacturing capacities while strengthening partnerships with US suppliers.
-
![Singapore’s DSTA seeks wider partnerships to advance robotics and AI capabilities]()
Singapore’s DSTA seeks wider partnerships to advance robotics and AI capabilities
The technology organisation is expecting a significant rise in the number of staff working across robotics and digital solutions as it becomes more of a focal point.
-
![Modular and attritable equipment must be a priority: US military]()
Modular and attritable equipment must be a priority: US military
Senior officers and representatives from the US Army, US Air Force and US Navy emphasised the need to expedite acquisition projects for systems and platforms that are more modular. They also highlighted that the loss of equipment is acceptable.
