Overview

The primary goal of the Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) program is to further develop and integrate MAV technologies into militarily useful and affordable backpackable systems suitable for dismounted soldier, Marine, and Special Forces missions. It will focus on the development of lift augmented ducted fan MAVs to accomplish unique military missions, particularly the hover and stare capability in restricted environments. The objective of the MAV ACTD is to demonstrate a backpackable, affordable, easy-to-operate, and responsive reconnaissance and surveillance system. The system will provide the small unit with militarily useful real-time combat information of difficult to observe and/or distant areas or objects. The system will also be employable in a variety of warfighting environments (for example: in complex topologies such as mountainous terrain; urban areas; confined spaces; and high concentrations of civilians). The initial MAV technology development program focused on the technologies and components required to enable flight at small scales, including flight control, power and propulsion, navigation and communications. The MAV ACTD program is intended to get DARPA-developed small, VTOL UAVs rapidly into the hands of the users for evaluation and evolution of the technologies; development of tactics, techniques and procedures; and to provide a residual operational capability to active duty forces. The FCS MAV technology is planned for transition to the Army during FY 2007.

Program Plans

• Demonstrate transition T-MAV (gasoline engine) in military operations in urban terrain exercises and conduct experiments with troops in field trials.
   
• Develop small heavy fuel engines.
   
• Demonstrate diesel D-MAV (diesel engine) in military operations in urban terrain exercises and conduct experiments with troops in field trials.
   
• Provide Army unit from 25th Infantry Division, 25 D-MAV systems (50 air Vehicles) as a residual operational capability.

Program Manager: Dr. Brad Tousley

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