Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Services

Transport Canada’s Aircraft Services Directorate, in coordination with other Government departments, is conducting Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) operations and research primarily focused on Arctic and maritime environments.

The Contractor will provide a broad range of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) RPAS operational services to the Aircraft Services Directorate. Some of the requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Develop mission plans, test plans, procedures, and conduct risk assessments;
2. Integrate payloads, conduct non-recurring engineering, and modify existing RPAS related equipment and systems;
3. Acquire equipment/supplies in support of RPAS operations and successful mission accomplishment;
4. Provide RPAS and operational staff to support operational demonstration, test and evaluation, and research and development flight activities. Specific RPAS requirements will be detailed at the Task Authorization level, but the following capabilities can be anticipated based on information available at the time of this contract issuance:
   1. A conventional (fixed wing) RPAS with retractable landing gear, a minimum mission flight endurance of 8 hours, a minimum service ceiling of 15,000’ MSL, a cruise speed of at least 80 KIAS, and a minimum sensor payload capacity of 15 Kg with a full primary tank fuel load;
   2. Redundant RPAS command and control links including radio line of sight and satellite links (based on mission requirements);
   3. RPAS autopilot capable of fully automatic takeoff and landing;
   4. RPAS pilots, sensor operators, maintenance engineers and any other personnel required to operate and support the RPAS;
   5. RPAS payloads to include a EO/IR gimbal mounted sensor, high-resolution still camera, and others as indicated at the Task Authorization level;
   6. RPAS to be equipped with ADSB out transponder. For maritime missions, it is anticipated the RPAS will require an AIS receiver capable of providing real-time AIS information to the ground control station;
   7. Shipping and logistics support to deliver the RPAS equipment and personnel to the specified test locations.