AAI-Led team selected for DARPA Transformer program

AAI, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. company, announced today that its team has been selected to participate in Phase I of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Transformer program. The winning team also includes fellow Textron businesses Bell Helicopter and Textron Marine & Land Systems, as well as Carter Aviation Technologies LLC, Terrafugia, Inc. and the US Army Research Laboratory - Vehicle Technology Directorate.

Under this award, the team will pursue system conceptual design, risk reduction and demonstration planning activities for an autonomous vehicle capable of both all-terrain land operation and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) flight. Dubbed the Transformer, the vehicle would be able to accommodate missions including interdiction, counterinsurgency, reconnaissance, medical evacuation and logistics.

The team's design incorporates Slowed Rotor/Compound (SR/C) technology, which provides fixed-wing aircraft cost and performance with the benefits of VTOL capability. SR/C technology was originally created and extensively tested by Carter Aviation Technologies. AAI and Carter entered into an exclusive licensing agreement in 2009, under which AAI intends to incorporate SR/C technology into manned and unmanned aircraft designs for multiple applications.
In addition, the team offers Textron Marine & Land Systems' knowledge of ground vehicles, including mobility solutions through its recently acquired Millenworks business for demanding on- and off-road applications. Bell Helicopter provides extensive rotorcraft and propulsion system expertise, and Terrafugia brings trade studies and experience with exploration of combined flying/driving vehicles. The Army Research Laboratory - Vehicle Technology Directorate provides rotor analysis for AAI's various SR/C programs.

"We have assembled a world-class team to make this highly complex, challenging set of requirements come to life," says Vice President of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Steven Reid of AAI. "Unmanned technology has the ability to spark the imagination; and in this case, the Transformer vehicle also serves as an important step toward realizing future unmanned applications that keep our troops safe and successful in their missions. This team has the technology expertise, experience and sheer enthusiasm to make the Transformer vehicle a reality."

Phase I of the DARPA Transformer program will culminate in 15 months, after which DARPA will choose whether or not to exercise options for further development under Phases II and III.

Source: AAI

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