The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has
launched the WALRUS Program, which will study the feasibility of a new air
vehicle capable of transporting 500-1,000 tons of military payload across
6,000 miles within 4 days.
The Aeroscraft
for WALRUS
The US military
identified deficiencies in its strategic airlift capability as far back as
after the first Gulf War. Interest waned by the mid-1990's, but the recent
conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have again underscored the airlift need.
Additionally, the need has been amplified by a key change in US military
doctrine referred to as the "10-30-30" objective: to be able to deploy to a distant theater in 10 days, defeat an
enemy within 30 days, and be ready for an additional fight within another
30 days. DARPA WALRUS envisions transporting an entire battle-ready Unit
of Action from its operational US base to near enemy
lines, termed "from fort to fight". The WALRUS air vehicle would dwarf
every aircraft in existence today, with a total hull length anywhere from
600 to 1,000 feet.
Aeros sees its
Aeroscraft vehicle as a natural solution to the strategic airlift need.
"Our experience in certification, Aeroscraft development, and recent DoD
high-profile programs put us in an excellent position to secure a prime
placement," says Aeros CEO Igor Pasternak. "Additionally, we are excited DoD recognizes that LTA
technologies have the capability to meet our country's strategic airlift
needs."
Release of the formal
WALRUS RFP is expected within the next several weeks, with multiple awards
expected this summer for the 1-year Phase I study. The $50MM Phase II will
produce a smaller 30-ton Advanced Technology Demonstrator by 2007, which
the US armed services will use to evaluate mission utility and CONOPS. If
adopted by a service, a full-scale Phase III vehicle would be developed
and evaluated for potential production.
