AFRL Awards Development Contract for Fighter Pilot Training UAV

Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 03:44 PM ET

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A newly awarded Air Force Research Laboratory Small Business Innovation Research contract will develop an unmanned air vehicle design that supports adversary air (ADAIR) training missions for pilots of Air Force fighter aircraft. [Courtesy: Blue Force Technologies]

Key Takeaways:

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) awarded Blue Force Technologies a $9 million contract to develop a high-performance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for fighter pilot training.
The UAV, known as the "Bandit" program, is designed to provide cost-effective adversary air (ADAIR) training by simulating tactically relevant fifth-generation adversaries.
Under the yearlong contract, Blue Force Technologies will mature the vehicle's design and conduct engine ground testing, with options to build and flight-test up to four vehicles.

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The Air Force Research Laboratory has awarded a small business innovation research contract to Blue Force Technologies to mature development of a high-performance unmanned aerial vehicle for use in fighter pilot training.

The yearlong contract has a $9 million initial value with options to complete the design and build of up to four vehicles that would support adversary air (ADAIR) training missions. The award is part of a Strategic Financing (STRATFI) proposal selected by the U.S. Air Force’s innovation arm, AFWERX.