lighter-than-air vehicles - Defense Innovation Marketplace

tether lengths to support different altituderequirements. The data links/COMMSpackage has an open architecture, with theability to support a wide range of sensor andcommunication payload types. This systemrequires no special site preparation and onlya 30-ft. radius clear area forlaunch/recovery. REAP XL B can belaunched and recovered quickly, and theenvelope canister can be switched out withinminutes if rapid site re-location is needed. 29The REAP XL B program was initiated tomeet the need for a highly mobile aerostatISR capability that could provide forceprotection similar to the larger PGSS andPTDS systems but be relocated every coupleof days. The program began as a specialproject of the Army G-2 in October of 2010with the purchase of 2 REAP XL B units forrapid development testing and fielding. Twounits with multiple spares were purchasedby the Army, and 1 unit was purchased forthe Navy. At the time of data collection forthis report (April 2012), the two ArmyREAP XL B systems have been deployed inOEF for less than two months, and theirperformance is still being characterized. 29The two systems were procured in order toevaluate a persistent ISR aerostat that wassmaller and more mobile than PTDS orPGSS. Typically, the PTDS is rarely movedafter installation and the smaller PGSS,while much more mobile, usually remains atthe same location. REAP XL B seeks tosupport operations where relocation occursevery few days as well as those units atcombat outposts and other locations that aremuch too small for PTDS or PGSS. Atpresent, there are requirements for additionalREAP XL B systems, though resources havenot been committed, pending evaluation ofthe two deployed trial systems. 29The system has been approved by ArmyTest and Evaluation Command (ATEC) forsoldier operation. Systems #1 and #2, withlimited spares, are fully operational anddeployed to theater with trained soldieroperators preparing for an ATEC forwardoperational assessment (FOA) by July 2012,followed by a Capabilities and LimitationsReport (CLR). Additional spares to supportthe first two systems are in production andare scheduled for completion by the end ofthe Calendar Year 2012. 29REAP XL B was appropriated in FY10 byArmy G-2, Army REF, and Navy NSWCPCD. Contractors for the aerostat areNEANY Inc., NAVMAR, and ISL Inc. FullOperation Capability (FOC) was awarded inJanuary 2012. The REF in conjunction withJIEDDO have ordered 5 additional systems.31