23 September 2024

TB2 Aerospace has developed the patented DROPS (Drone Recharging Operational Payload System) system which enables fully autonomous UAV capture, delivery and recovery of payloads.

DROPS is a patented multi-mission payload system, designed to fit any UAV, allowing it to autonomously capture, launch and recover payloads without human intervention. The main advantages of DROPS system include:

• The ability to autonomously capture, deliver AND recover/relocate payloads,
• Transforming any UAV of any size into a Multi-Mission Payload system, and
• Autonomous docking and locking of UAVs and Payloads on UGS and USVs.

Imagine a Robo-dog delivered over 60km into the field and when required it can be autonomously recovered by a UAV for recharging, or a UAV-deployed field of smart-mines which can be safely recovered or relocated without the need for Soldier’s handling.  

With the DROPS system a UAV can swap missions sets from Tactical Resupply Cargo Pods to Weapons Platform to ISR Sensor to CBRN sampler in seconds, without involvement of any humans.

TB2 DROPS is unique in that it is platform-agnostic, payload agnostic and designed to be employed in Groups 1-4 UAVs. Its MOD-Payload Compatible design enables DROPS to seamlessly integrate with almost any VTOL UAV platforms, ensuring that it can be utilized across different mission profiles. Now a UAV designed for one role can do multiple roles.

The key to the DROPS system is not just the patented alignment and capture system but the ability to guide the UAV to the Payload in a GPS-denied environment using the Payloads internal Terminal Guidance System (TGS). This system not only guides the UAV over the last 200 ft of the approach but also allows for payload discrimination so that a UAV approaching a cache of payloads can identify which one to capture using the In-Transit Visibility system employed across the DoD.

The team is led by founder, Hank Scott, CEO TB2 Aerospace, a former Naval Aviator and entrepreneur of several aviation innovations. Explaining the game changing nature of DROPS, Hank said, “With the DROPS system the military has more flexibility, enabling one UAV for example, to be capable of executing multiple types of mission. It will enable the DoD warfighting to be more expeditionary without putting soldiers in harms-way. The flexibility in our design also standardizes the interface between the majority of UAV and payload manufacturers.” 

DROPS has advantages across the military domains, for example the Navy will benefit from the DROPS secure docking system which allows autonomous launch, recovery and securing of UAV’s and payloads from Manned and Unmanned ships.

The DROPS system also has a patented docking and recharging system. When payloads such as Cargo Pods are docked they are also instantly locked in place with Electro-Permanent Magnets, removing the need for straps or tie-downs, furthering the autonomous nature of operations. When docked the payloads internal battery is recharged by the patented docking system. Once collected by the UAV this payload battery provides supplemental power to the UAV in flight, reducing UAV down-time and extending UAV range.

One payload designed for the DROPS system are TB2’s patented Cargo Pods, unique in the respect of the standardization they bring across the military sector – bringing a set of standard sizes from 5kgs to circa 400kg for CASEVAC Pods (current under development for a US Army Phase 2 SBIR). The Pods are stackable, lock together like lego bricks and have their own internal power and avionics.

DROPS is already being recognized by the military, gaining 7 DoD grants over the past two years totalling over $4m. The team are working closely on research projects with the US Army to develop next-generation capability, from tactical resupply in a Contested Logistics environment, to the recovery of critical assets and CASEVAC missions.

Industry is also recognising the significance of DROPS, with partnership deals announced with manufacturers, such as DASIS in the UK and Quickstep in the U.S.

Art Boghozian from Amentum, one of TB2’s partners, remarking on the force multiplier effect of DROPS, said, “The integration of the DROPS Cargo Pod and Payloads with our existing support infrastructure is a game changer for military operations. This partnership not only enhances the capabilities of UAVs in the field but also ensures that soldiers can easily access supplies without extensive training, allowing them to focus on the mission at hand.”