A newly developed multi-mission payload system is set to revolutionise and automate UAV operations on the battlefield. Here comes DROPS.
What is DROPS?
DROPS (Drone Recharging Operational Payload System) has been developed by TB2 Aerospace to enable a fully autonomous UAV payload capture, delivery and recovery system.
DROPS is a patented multi-mission payload system, designed to fit any UAV, allowing it to autonomously capture, launch and recover payloads without human intervention. The main advantages of DROPS system include:
- the ability to autonomously capture, deliver AND recover/relocate payloads,
- transforming any UAV of any size into a multi-mission payload system, and
- autonomous docking and locking of UAVs and payloads on UGS and USVs.
US Military recognition
DROPS is already being recognised by the military, having gained 7 DoD grants over the past two years, totalling over $4m. The team are working closely on research projects with the US Army to develop next-generation capability, from tactical resupply in a Contested Logistics environment, to the recovery of critical assets and CASEVAC missions.
Industry is also recognising the significance of DROPS, with partnership deals announced by manufacturers, such as DASIS in the UK and Quickstep in the US.
Art Boghozian from Amentum, one of TB2’s partners, remarked on the force multiplier effect of DROPS, saying, “The integration of the DROPS Cargo Pod and payloads with our existing support infrastructure is a game changer for military operations. This partnership not only enhances the capabilities of UAVs in the field, but also ensures that soldiers can easily access supplies without extensive training, allowing them to focus on the mission at hand.”
Multi-Mission capability
TB2 DROPS is unique in that it is platform and payload agnostic and designed to be employed in Groups 1–4 UAVs. Its payload is compatible with MOD design, enabling DROPS to seamlessly integrate with almost any VTOL UAV platforms, ensuring that it can be utilised across different mission profiles. Now a UAV designed for one role can do multiple roles.
With the DROPS system, a UAV can swap mission sets from Tactical Resupply Cargo Pods to Weapons Platform, to ISR Sensor to CBRN sampler in seconds, without involvement of any humans.
Guided payload capture in GPS-denied environments
The key to the DROPS system is not just the patented alignment and capture system, but its ability to guide the UAV to the payload in a GPS-denied environment using the payload’s internal Terminal Guidance System. This system guides the UAV over the last 200 ft of the approach, allowing for payload discrimination so that a UAV approaching a cache of payloads can identify which one to capture using the In-Transit Visibility system employed across the DoD.
High asset recovery
Imagine a Robo-dog being delivered by UAV deep into the battlefield and when required, a UAV operator can remotely control its autonomous recovery to recharge or move the Robo-dog on to its next mission. Or imagine a UAV-deployed field of smart-mines which can be safely recovered and/or relocated. All this can be achieved autonomously – and potentially with the same UAV – whilst keeping soldiers out of harm’s way. Not only will this save the public purse on the purchase of multiple UAV platforms but it will also leave the commander safe in the knowledge that high asset recovery can be achieved without the need to deploy soldiers.
Not just for the Army
DROPS has advantages across the military domains. For example, the Navy will benefit from the DROPS secure docking system which allows autonomous launch, recovery and securing of UAVs and payloads from any ships – manned or unmanned. Such a capability ensures that the DROPS system can crack on achieving missions without disrupting the ship’s daily routine.
What’s the secret?
DROPS is a patented system that uses a unique technique to engage Electro-Permanent Magnets (EPMs) that can instantly lock any payload to any UAV, as well as automatically latching the DROPS cargo pods to their docking station for instant recharging. There is no need for straps or tie-downs, the magnets do the job so that no military personnel need be involved.
In-flight and dock charging for extended UAV range
The DROPS system also has a patented docking and recharging system. When payloads such as Cargo Pods are docked, they are also instantly locked in place by the EPMs where the payload’s internal battery can be recharged by the docking system. Once collected by a UAV, the payload battery can provide supplemental power to the UAV in flight, reducing UAV downtime and extending UAV range.
Standardised payload
One payload designed for the DROPS system are TB2’s patented Cargo Pods, unique in respect of the standardisation they bring across the military sector, using a set of standard sizes from 5kgs to circa 400kg for CASEVAC Pods (currently under development for US Army Phase 2 SBIR). The Pods are stackable, lock together like Lego bricks and have their own internal power and avionics.
About the founder
The team is led by founder, Hank Scott, CEO TB2 Aerospace, a former Naval Aviator and entrepreneur of several aviation innovations. Explaining the game changing nature of DROPS, Hank said, “With the DROPS system the military has more flexibility, enabling one UAV for example, to be capable of executing multiple types of mission. It will enable the DoD warfighting to be more expeditionary without putting soldiers in harms-way. The flexibility in our design also standardises the interface between the majority of UAV and payload manufacturers.”
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