UAS Charging Connector Request for Information Draft

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

Request for Information: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems
Charging Connector/Interface

1.0 BACKGROUND

The proliferation of small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) across the Army has introduced a significant logistical burden due to the wide variety of proprietary batteries, chargers, and connector/interfaces. The lack of a common standard impedes interoperability, increasing the physical and cognitive load on the warfighter.

2.0 SCOPE

To achieve the goal of a standard Army sUAS charger (or family of chargers), the C5ISR Center Power Division is seeking information about current product offerings to inform future solutions for a standard sUAS charging connector/interface for Group 1 and Group 2 UAS. This is defined as the interface between the sUAS battery and the sUAS charger. This may or may not be the same connector/interface as that between the UAV (the air platform) and the battery. Standard categorizations of Group 1 and Group 2 UAS are found in the table below, for reference.
Group

Maximum weight (lbs)
0-20
21-55
<1320
>1320
>1320

Nominal Operating Altitude (ft)
<120 AGL
<3500 AGL
<18000 MSL
>18000 MSL

Speed (kn)
<250
<250
Any Air Speed
Any Air Speed

Table is publicly available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UAS_groups_of_the_United_States_military

Responses to this RFI should describe current product offerings that could, in future, become a proposed solution available for unlimited use by industry for military and commercial applications. If the product is not currently available for unlimited use, please include the cost of attaining the solution with full unlimited government data rights. Submissions should comprehensively address the following technical specifications. However, organizations with partial solutions or specialized capabilities are encouraged to submit, as well.
Mechanical Details
•
•
•

Mechanical description of the connector/interface.
Detailed physical dimensions.
CAD drawing of the proposed design.

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

Electrical Details
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•
•
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Supported voltage ranges.
Supported current ranges.
Supported power ranges.
Detailed pin-out description.

Communications/Data
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•

Communication protocol (the interface must allow data communication between the battery's Battery Management System (BMS) and the charger). Applicable data standard.

Data Rights / IP
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•

Description of ownership surrounding relevant data rights and/or IP.