The Air Force Research Lab’s munitions directorate intends to test an autopilot system originally designed for micro-sized unmanned aircraft in munitions. Military and Aerospace Electronics reported Tuesday that the lab essentially wants to ascertain how such autopilot technology could enhance the effectiveness of mini precision-guided munitions. According to a notice posted Monday at the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, the lab is poised to award a $500,000 contract to Procerus Technologies of Vineyard, Utah, for the company’s autopilot electronics. These tests will be part of the Office of the Secretary of Defense-sponsored joint capability technology demonstration called precision acquisition and weaponized system. PAWS is one of the JCTD new starts in Fiscal 2009. It is meant to integrate low-collateral- damage weapons with tactical unmanned aircraft “to effectively neutralize asymmetric threats … in environments where collateral damage and fratricide are unacceptable.” (Fiscal 2009 JCTD list)
New devices meant to save money spent on gas by reducing aerodynamic drag are inching closer to fleetwide adoption for the Air Force’s 222 C-17 transport jets.