Near Earth Autonomy has been awarded a contract worth US$790,000 to supply miniaturised autonomous flight systems as part of the US Marine Corps Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS) programme.
The contract, granted by SURVICE Engineering under its prime contract with the US Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR PMA-263), contributes to a broader US$4.6m initiative aimed at advancing autonomous resupply technologies.
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The TRUAS programme is focused on enhancing logistics capabilities in contested or difficult-to-access environments.
At the centre of the initiative is the TRV-150, a Group 3 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) platform developed by SURVICE Engineering and Malloy Aeronautics. The UAS is intended to deliver essential supplies to small units operating in austere conditions, offering rapid resupply and distribution with high levels of precision.
Near Earth Autonomy’s contribution involves integration of its Firefly Miniaturised Autonomy System onto the TRV-150 platform.
The system is designed to improve autonomous navigation and environmental perception. It supports mission planning without the need for pre-mapped routes or confirmed safe landing zones.
The Firefly system is capable of detecting a wide range of environmental hazards, including natural and man-made obstacles such as trees, buildings, rocks, vehicles, and ditches. It also identifies viable flight paths and landing areas in real-time, thereby enhancing the reliability and reach of unmanned resupply missions.
Delivery of the integrated system is scheduled for the summer. Following deployment, NAVAIR will use the platform to refine concepts of operation (CONOPS) for contested logistics, with the aim of improving resupply effectiveness while minimising risks to personnel.
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