Description:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate, propose and demonstrate prototype technical solutions addressing key elements of autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for medical missions such as critical item resupply and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC). Specifically, to design and demonstrate prototype human computer interaction (HCI) and command and control (C2) subsystems for medical resupply and CASEVAC missions. DESCRIPTION: This topic is intended to incrementally advance the state-of-the art in autonomous VTOL UAS capability for critical medical item resupply and CASEVAC. This topic will develop and demonstrate in an operationally relevant environment; a feasible, viable and appropriate HCI architecture and implementation for the C2 of a VTOL UAS by an untrained or minimally trained corpsman or medic in a tactical environment (i.e., between first responder and Role 1 facility). This topic will also develop and demonstrate in an operationally relevant environment; a VTOL UAS C2 architecture and a Medical C2 architecture based on current or planned actual architectures (both Army and Marine Corps). Demonstrations should include actual HCI and C2 components (i.e., computers, tablets, smart phones, radios and data links). Further, targeted VTOL UAS platforms should be full-sized, man-rated (preferred) VTOL UAS, preferably one in the current or DoD inventory (e.g., Boeing Little Bird, Kaman K-Max, Boeing A-160 Hummingbird); or a potential future platform such as the Sikorsky Blackhawk /Seahawk, Northrop Grumman Fire-X UAS (Bell 407); and EADS Lakota optionally piloted helicopters, and the Urban Aeronautics AirMule). Fielding this capability will speed and enhance the evacuation and subsequent treatment of casualties, both in a military and civilian environment. Note 1: Per Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Policy, further research and development of autonomous casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) is warranted and directed. Note 2: Demonstration using actual VTOL UAS is not required, but a specific platform(s) must be identified and its specific HCI and C2 architecture and components utilized. PHASE I: Develop the conceptual models, functional requirements, and component architectures for the HCI and C2 tasks described above. Identify preliminary targeted VTOL UAS and related HCI and C2 interfaces and components, and address both air vehicle C2 and Medical C2. Demonstrate models and the architecture implementation in a simulated (M & S) environment, or with actual components, in a laboratory environment. Begin developing a realistic commercialization plan. DELIVERABLES: (1) Conceptual models (document), (2) Functional requirements (document), (3)"Short list"of VTOL UAS candidates and related HCI and C2 components (document), (4) Component architectures (document), (5) Demonstrations of the conceptual models, architectures and candidate HCI and C2 components in M & S or laboratory environment (videos, documents), (6) Draft commercialization plan, (7) Phase I Final Report. PHASE II: Downselect the target VTOL UAS and identify required HCI and C2 components. Continue and finalize the development of all conceptual models and functional requirements. Implement these models meeting the identified functional requirements, in actual hardware and software, and demonstrate an urgent medical resupply mission and a CAEVAC mission, in an operationally relevant environment using an untrained (in UAS operations) individual. The technology readiness level (TRL) goal for the end of Phase II is TRL-5. The commercialization plan should be further refined and largely completed. DELIVERABLES: (1) Specify target VTOL UAS platform (document), (2) Final conceptual models and functional requirements (document and software), (3) Concept of Operations or vignettes for medical resupply and CASEVAC missions to guide the technical demonstrations (documents), (4) Demonstrate the HCI and C2 (UAS platform and Medical) for the medical item resupply and CASEVAC missions (demonstrations, videos, documents), (5) Final commercialization plan (document), (6) Phase II final report (document). PHASE III: Further develop these capabilities to TRL-7 or 8. Assist the military in transitioning this autonomous VTOL UAS HCI and C2 technology to a Joint Capability Technology Demonstration, or other technology development or acquisition program(s). Once validated conceptually and technically, the dual use applications of this technology are significant in the area of civilian emergency services; this technology could potentially save many lives among military and civilian casualties and injured persons. Coordinate with civilian first responders and Homeland Security agencies to transition the capability to civilian first responders for emergency response in hazardous or contaminated environments or in remote medically underserved areas and eventually commercialize the system. DELIVERABLES: Products (software, hardware, documentation) ready for commercialization and a military assessment in an operational environment. REFERENCES: 1. Army Unmanned Systems Initial Capabilities Document, Aug 2010 2. DoD Unmanned Systems Annual Reports and Roadmaps 3. USMC VTOL UAS Air Cargo Assessment Report (from assessment currently underway in theater) if available 4. NATO HFM-184 Technical Panel final report"Safe Ride Standards for patient Evacuation Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)."5. Joint Medical Distance Support and Evacuation Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JMDSE JCTD) Final Report and JMDSE JCTD Joint Unmanned CASEVAC (JUMC) Concept of Operations 6. Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems (JAUS) 7. NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4586 8. www.ieee.org references and library 9. www.auvsi.org references and library
