U.S. Department of Defense to Purchase Alpha 900 Helicopter UAVs

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded system integrator Rapid Expeditionary Concepts with a prime contract for the purchase of Alpha 900 unmanned helicopter systems manufactured by Alpha Unmanned Systems, SL for integration, test, evaluation, and deployment. The Prime, a provider of end-to-end Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C5ISR) solutions, will oversee the integration of a specialized electro-optical sensor for use in counter-unmanned aerial system (CUAS) operations. Along with the fully integrated solution, The Prime and Alpha will offer deployment and training support for the Alpha 900 in a joint operational evaluation held by the U.S Department of Defense over the next two years.

With an emphasis on integrating advanced payloads and sensors on-board manned and unmanned platforms, the Prime possesses considerable experience adapting commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology for customers in the defense, energy, and special operations sectors. The Prime leverages its expertise to turn end-user-provided operational requirements into technical solutions, surpassing the U.S. DOD’s requirements to create a CUAS solution utilizing the Alpha 900.

“We have a long track record of maximizing efficiencies and delivering best-value for end-users by reducing total cost, size, weight, and power (C-SWaP) of subsystems intended for utilization on unmanned aircraft, which is perfectly suited for this requirement,” said Program Director Dr. Paul Kuttner, PhD. “Our team has been involved in the design, integration and/or deployment of Group 1 – 5 unmanned aerial systems and subsystems of relevance for many years and we are confident in our ability to execute this program flawlessly. In addition, we have the unique ability to leverage an operational mindset to develop training curriculum and documentation that resonates with real-world end-users will ensure operational success. We are excited to partner with the U.S. DOD and Alpha in this endeavor and look forward to many future successes, where our team can utilize the versatile and efficient Alpha 900 for use in delivering sensor suites of relevance to the ever-changing demands of conflict in various areas of operation.”

Alpha Unmanned Systems, SL is Spain’s leading manufacturer of small tactical helicopter unmanned systems. The 55lb Alpha 900 helicopter UAV boasts a flight time of up to 4 hours, with up to 8.5lbs of payload capacity. The compact, fuel powered UAV is able to take-off and land autonomously on moving platforms. The company’s helicopter UAVs see use by customers in 9 countries on 4 continents, with applications ranging from maritime security to power line inspection, mapping, and precision agriculture.

“Alpha is delighted to support the US Government and is pleased that its reliable products fulfill the demanding requirements for this project,” said Alpha CEO Eric Freeman. “We hope to build a long-lasting relationship with the US Government and to help other Spanish companies with cutting-edge technologies enter the world’s largest and most important technology marketplace.”

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Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.