Department of Energy

Required specifications for the Constant Hawk Aerial Surveillance Demonstration project contract award:

Specifications for contractor-provided aircraft to be used in demonstration:

• Fixed Wing, Single Engine Umanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with optional on-board pilot control.
• Federal Aviation Administration classification: Experimental.
• Minimum available payload weight (after installation of all UAV flight equipment): 600 pounds.
• Maximum gross (take-off) weight: less than 4,000 pounds.
• Minimum aircraft ceiling: 20,000 feet.
• Size and runway limits: less than 35 ft wingspan and less than 1,500 ft loaded takeoff distance.
• Payload access: removable aircraft under-frame for rapid removal and replacement of payload via ground jacks.
  
  Personnel and UAV operation:
• Contractor must provide UAV ground control station compatible with specified aircraft and demonstrate past successful UAV operation using the specified aircraft and ground control station.
• Contractor must demonstrate past successful fully autonomous UAV landing (not remotely piloted).
• Contractor must provide evidence of prior successful flight systems engineering and integration projects, as well as demonstrate sufficient qualified personnel and facilities for aircraft/payload modifications and installations.
• Aircraft, contractor personnel, and all required facilities should be made available for completion of demonstration flight by Dec. 31, 2006.