Vantage Robotics, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: AF20R-DCSO1

Description

Vantage proposes a new form of low cost sensory augmented aerial telepresence for the Air Force. This $10K system enables 50 km2 of < 1 cm GSD coverage anywhere in the world in less than 24 hours, controlled by operators from any location and launched by personnel with no prior training.   This will be realized by extending the capabilities of Vesper, Vantage’s Type 1 UAS, to both meet the Air Force ATO security requirements and enable remote operation with multi-user remote viewing. This capability will increase the effectiveness of personnel and reduce the risks, costs, and lost time from travel. Reduced travel risks include reduced potential for exposure and spread of COVID and other future pandemics. Vesper is an NDAA compliant 1.4 lb UAS, developed as part of an effort funded by the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconaissance Program. The base system costs $6000 with a GCS, charges, transit and travel cases, and a field repair kit. This UAS built on Vantage’s previous commercially available product, Snap.  Combining Vesper with the new remote operation capabilities developed as part of the proposed program can offer secure sensory enhanced remote presence anywhere in the world.  With our proposed network connectivity solution, Vesper could be operated safely over the network, with access to a real time video stream and full control of the aircraft. This gives Air Force personnel a new set of capabilities for telepresence, reducing the health risks, costs, and wasted time of travel. In addition, we are currently engaged with the Air Force to attain ATO certification. We expect some desired modifications to come from this effort including secure boot, encrypted internal communications, and encrypted data storage and propose completing these modifications as part of this effort. This program will consist of an initial benchtop system demonstration, an in person prototype demonstration, and a final Air Force end user test and evaluation. We expect this effort to cost approximately $970K and take 9 months to complete.