The military of United States shown
rugged terrain threats such as surprise ambushes and IED’s on ground based
transportation from a dangerous offensive challenge, Combat outposts require average
100,000 pounds material per week, high elevation and a impassable mountain
roads often restrict access.
Choppers are its main solution,
but supply of available choppers cannot meet the demand of its services that will
which cover its diverse operational needs including unit resupply, extraction,
and the evacuation of casualty.
In order to overcome these so
called challenges, in 2009 DARPA unveiled Transformer (TX) program. The said Transformer
Program aimed to develop a prototype system that will provide a flexible,
terrain-independent transportation for its logistics, personnel transport and even
on emergency tactical support missions for small units in the ground. In the
year 2013, DARPA selected ARES (Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System) concept in
order to move forward.
ARES as the center on VTOL flight
module was designed and will operate as unmanned UAV (aerial vehicle) capable
of transporting variety of payloads on different locations. The said flight
module would have its own fuel, digital controls, remote and command interface
and power system.
A twin tilting ducted fans that would
provide efficient landing capabilities in compact configuration, the said system
could use landing zones half of its size typically needed by a similarly sized
helicopters, enabling it to land even in a rugged terrain and aboard ships.
ARES is now in its final phase.
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