US Air Force Awards Vita & MTSI Contract to Enable Fixed-Wing Precision Air Drop and Retrieval
US Air Force Awards Vita & MTSI Contract to Enable Fixed-Wing Precision Air Drop and Retrieval
July 1, 2020
On July 1st, 2020, Vita Inclinata Technologies was formally awarded a contract to design and demonstrate a “game-changing capability” to the US Air Force. Over the next 12 months, Vita will be working with partner, Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI), on the Precision Rapid Aerial Employment System (PRAES). This innovative technology enables fixed-wing aircraft, such as the C-17, C-130, and even drones like the MQ-9, to deploy a load from the aircraft while circling at 3,000 to 10,000 feet above ground level and precisely delivering it within a 6 x 6 foot target.
The application has seen interest from USAF Special Warfare Division, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Force 88th Test and Evaluation Squadron, the 21st and 41st Airlift Squadrons, the 184th Attack Squadron, and the National Guard Bureau. Collectively, Vita aims to work with MTSI to deploy a demonstrable prototype within six months of today.
“When we approached the USAF with this capability, it was described as a game changer. Not only to save lives but to lower the danger exposed to fixed-wing aircraft while within the range of small arms fire. We are excited to design and demonstrate this capability to the Air Force,” said Vita CEO, Caleb Carr.
The PRAES system is being developed with partner MTSI, to deploy the early renditions of what was known as the RAES system.
“MTSI is excited about the opportunity to partner with Vita to deliver an innovative and cost-effective payload delivery and retrieval solution to rapidly aide people across the globe who are battling the COVID-19 pandemic. This new contract provides another opportunity for MTSI’s talented engineers to solve a problem of global importance,” said MTSI CEO, Kevin Robinson.
With applications today for the COVID pandemic and future applications in drone delivery, the opportunity here is endless. Both Vita and MTSI are excited to explore this capability over the course of 2020.
