Gives a linky to a word doc with the actual RFI. Here are some of the interesting items in the RFI:
1:
2:Recent advances in unmanned air vehicles have presented a new and evolving threat to the BOP’s mission. From small devices of less than a pound that can provide unauthorized imagery and surveillance to larger systems that can carry 20 or more pounds of contraband
3:The BOP is specifically interested in fully integrated systems that will allow for the detection, tracking, interdiction, engagement and neutralization of small (less the 55 LB total weight) unmanned aerial systems
So, let me get a few metrics straight. A 4 ft UAS can weigh 35 lbs, and carry 20 lbs of payload (meth, crack, coke, diet coke...), take off from the ground, fly at 225 mph to an altitude 4000 feet higher than non-pressurized aircraft can tread, then hover on station to accurately drop its payload in a 30 second free fall within the exercise yard?Drone performance that consists of:
a. Flying altitudes from ground level to 18000 ft
b. Velocities from 0 to 100 m/sec
c. Highly variable dimensions, but in general less than 4 ft in their maximum dimensions
...
4. Detection ranges of 1 mile with tracking at .75 miles and kill/interdiction as far out as possible
I need one very very badly!
But seriously now, who was tasked with defining the threat performance envelope, and what technology generation in the future did they base their requirements on??? Fuck, I'm not sure of a state sponsored military that has a design of something that has this kind of ability. Sound more like a theater-ballistic missile threat after fuel cut apogee.
I wonder if I responded to the RFI if I would get dinged for providing the 5250 ft detection distance a the cost of the other 13478 feet to the target's operating altitude at a mile away...
