715004451.1 Project VOLLEY (launcher)

This Prior Information Notice serves to inform Industry about a Project VOLLEY (launcher) Industry Day and to invite registration for the event. Additional information: Requirement Rapid launching of multiple fixed-wing Uncrewed Air Vehicles (UAV), from a single launcher, including set-up, firing and recovery time.

Technical Launcher Requirement

The launcher must be able to launch at least 5 reference UAVs within 4 minutes of the first UAV launch and recover within a maximum of 10 minutes from that first UAV launch, from a static and level position. The overall launcher must require a minimal set up time and then launch the UAVs after it has been instructed to do so by the User. There should be no more than a 1-minute interval between each launch

o Assume: launch UAV 1 @ time zero; UAV 2 launches at ~60 seconds; UAV 3 launches at ~120 secs; UAV 4 at ~180 secs and UAV 5 will be launched within ~240 seconds of the first launch.

o Assume: that Reference UAV requires no set up / prep of any sort; noting in real world that the UAV set up time might be the limiting factor to the above ideal “launch per minute.”

• Able to launch the 5 reference UAV airframes to at least 60m/s (200km/h) (to provide anticipated margin beyond stall speed of high speed UAS).

o Assume: No thrust contribution from the UAV during launch.

o Assume: The UAV will not make use of any rocket assisted take off (RATO) boosters or any other launch mechanism other than the Pj VOLLEY launcher.

• The reference UAV has the following characteristics:

o A maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of no more than 125kg.

o A max wingspan of approx. 3300mm; a max length of approx. 2500mm and max height of approx. 500mm.

Assume: UAV OEM will provide a UAV/Launcher adapter specific to their UAV designed to meet specification set by the Launcher OEM.

Operational Requirement

• The launcher (including loading the UAV(s) onto the launcher – manually or automatically) must require a minimal crew to operate – ideally one and no more than three.
• Set-up (ideally tool-less) and operable in day / night / all weathers / while gloved & using NVGs etc.
• The User requires the launcher to be mobile and easy to deploy, use, and recover in a wide range of environmental conditions (day/night, in temperatures from -20 to +55 degrees Celsius and operate reliably in rain and dust equivalent to IP45).
• The User will use the launcher in a high threat environment with persistent enemy surveillance; therefore, it must create a minimal signature (acoustic, heat, visual) when used e.g. hiding in plain sight.
• The entire launcher system must be robust, simple to assemble and capable of launching numerous UAVs without replacement of high wear / perishable parts. Able to withstand jet efflux, fuel spills, handling damage, etc.
• The same launcher design must be able to launch UAVs of smaller size than the reference drone described above. In practice, this means being able to vary the amount of total energy (and speed) the launcher imparts to the UAV.
• System launch angle must be easily adjustable to account for various UAV launch/ take off characteristics; assume minimum inclination of 8 degrees and up to a maximum of 30 degrees.
• System must be transportable by vehicle; Large body sprinter truck (threshold) or regular transit van equivalent (objective).
• Weight of the full system should not exceed 275kg

Launcher Solutions that should not be presented:

• Autonomous launchers i.e. UAV launcher system must be operated by a human crew.
• Solutions that will not be ready for UK field demonstration / testing in October 25.
• RATO launch solutions.

We do not necessarily need to be presented with a complete solution. If your product answers part of this VOLLEY challenge problem statement, we encourage you to participate. Project VOLLEY is not interested in purchasing drones that comply with the “reference UAV” outline.

Production Capacity and Pricing

Subject to satisfactory demonstration, a large number (>20) of launchers are anticipated to be needed approximately 6 months from Industry Day / launch of competition.

A production launcher solution must have a unit price of <£300k and be produceable at scale.

Indicative timelines:

• Industry day 18th Jun 25
• Dragon’s Den competition 1st Aug 25
• UK field demonstration / testing to take place from Oct 25
• First deliveries NLT Jan 26

The process will invite industry to submit proposals to meet the firm requirements. MOD encourages companies to work together in a consortium to address the VOLLEY requirement. A small number of proposals (2-5), subject to contract will be provided funding to demonstrate the entire VOLLEY capability in Oct 25.

Please fill out the following form in order to register for the event. Registration will close on 11th Jun 2025.

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