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The Department of Defence has released new information about a new “Camel Train” autonomous air logistics support system to strengthen the nation’s northern supply chain.
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The new system is designed to strengthen the supply chain and offer a solution for rapid resupply of smaller stores to meet unforeseen urgent demands, according to information published under “Camel Train Phase 1 Development Services” earlier this year on 30 July by AusTender.
“Jericho Disruptive Innovation continues to develop prototype capabilities for Head of Air Force Capability to demonstrate options to solve gaps, risk and issues and take opportunities,” AusTender said in a statement.
“A part of this remit includes the testing of developmental systems in a safe and risk managed way, and in this context JDI has raised Project ‘Camel Train’.
“Improving the Australian Defence Force’s ability to operate from Australia’s northern approaches is a key priority outlined by the National Defence Strategy for the future integrated force and this will be the primary focus for Camel Train.
“The logistics supply chain within Australia’s northern approaches needs fundamental modernisation and novel solutions to meet the strategic objective of responding with credible military force. A resilient and robust logistics supply chain management system is required to enable commanders to fight, sustain and win in Australia’s northern approaches.
“Camel Train will deliver a suite of air vehicles integrated into an autonomous Air Logistics Support (ALS) system. The Camel Train system will strengthen the supply chain and offer a solution for rapid resupply of smaller stores to meet unforeseen urgent demands. The ability to rapidly resupply spokes from a logistic hub without straining personnel or larger airframes would significantly enhance the capacity and efficiency of the existing air logistics system.
“Camel Train will eventually encompass a family of vehicles, ranging from short distance (50 kilometres) rotor variants capable of precision delivery up to 50 kilograms, to longer range (1,000 kilometres) fixed-wing variants capable of transporting 1,000 kilograms. Larger variants will allow for optional crewing. Support at sea as well as land is planned, with at least some variants to be able to support maritime units by air drop or amphibious landings in waters up to Sea State 2.
“The system is to have a proven detect-and-avoid function for flight control to operate in Class G airspace due to the prevalence of multiple users in that class of airspace. It is also recognised that using a type-certified airframe for initial testing may speed introduction into active service.”
The Camel Train project will be implemented in phases with a request for proposal to define the scope of development services required for phase one and underpin subsequent procurement stages.
