SNC’s Hybrid Voly UAS Selected for Navy Maritime Logistics UAS Program
SPARKS, Nev. (December 5, 2024) – SNC has been awarded a prototype other transaction (OT) agreement to develop the technology to support an on-demand, autonomous, unmanned air transport delivery capability needed by the U.S. Navy Fleet and Military Sealift Command (MSC) as part of its Blue Water Maritime Logistics UAS technology development strategy. SNC will combine its artificial intelligence experience with the Voly® UAS to enhance the Navy’s shore-to-ship and ship-to-ship UAS resupply capabilities with vision-based autonomy and maritime reliability.
The Blue Water Maritime Logistics UAS program seeks to solve the Navy’s challenge of economically delivering light cargo over longer distances to reduce the burden on manned aircraft. The autonomous movement of critical parts and supplies in distributed maritime operations increases operational readiness and warfighting capability of embarked ships or aircraft.
SNC’s Voly UAS is a hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) solution that offers unique technologies including advanced payload, range and endurance capabilities needed for multi-role operations. It also provides the added ability to simultaneously carry cargo, additional fuel and sensors.
“SNC is proud to partner with the Navy to develop this critical game-changing technology,” said Josh Walsh, vice president of programs. “Our Voly solution with its long-haul capability, provides the technological advancements needed for safe and reliable resupply to geographically dispersed maritime environments.”
Due to their runway-independent design, unmanned VTOL aircraft provide several advantages over conventional fixed-wing aircraft and UAVs. They enable point takeoff and landing with minimal space required, making them ideal for operating in austere environments such as long-distance flights over rough seas and in inclement weather. SNC’s Voly UAS also provides safety advantages including redundant lift motors and avionics, the ability to land after engine or other catastrophic failures and increased maneuverability.
SNC’s hybrid VTOL system will provide an on-demand, air transport delivery solution to augment traditional maritime logistics aircraft. Utilizing multiple VTOL unmanned aircraft to make deliveries in the complicated maritime environment fits into a larger concept of distributed logistics operations. This allows more traditional Navy assets to bring large amounts of supplies to forward operating bases where fleets of hybrid VTOL unmanned aircraft can then deliver the cargo to more geographically widespread destinations.
“An unmanned resupply capability allows users to overcome the contested logistics challenges of the future and ensures forward-deployed units are stocked with parts and supplies needed for operations,” said Tim Harper, vice president of business development. “The Voly hybrid UAS represents a new opportunity to completely disrupt how critical assets are delivered, by minimizing personnel and filling the gap where traditional delivery methods are unable to achieve the mission.”
About SNC
SNC is a trusted global leader in aerospace and national security. Our innovative solutions enable connected protection through command, control and communications systems, as well as ISR, cyber, electronic spectrum management, and other high capabilities for national security systems across all domains – sea, land, air, space and cyber. SNC is a next-generation prime at the optimum intersection of commercial, defense and non-traditional contractors. We are one of the only privately owned mid-tier A&D prime contractors and we pride ourselves on our ability to invest early and often to ensure mission success on or ahead of schedule. It’s part of our mission to always stay one step ahead; working on solutions today to solve the problems of tomorrow. Founded in 1963, SNC is owned by Chairwoman Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen. For more information, visit www.sncorp.com.