In combat zones, missions sometimes require quick responding aerial units to be available at a moment’s notice. While helicopters have helped fill this role they’re expensive and in relatively short supply; but all of that might change due to a new DARPA project.
Called the Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System (ARES), the twin fan, VTOL craft is essentially a standard set of wings and motors that grab and pickup a number of modules designed specifically for medivac, resupply or surveillance missions. Fast and flexible, the ARES system will be able to carry its 1360kg (3,000lb) detachable units at speeds similar to that of a small airplane. Controlled via smartphone or mobile device app, the ARES will be an on-demand tech able to respond to any situation.
"Many missions require dedicated VTOL assets, but most ground units don’t have their own helicopters," said DARPA program manager, Ashish Bagai. “ARES would make organic and versatile VTOL capability available to many more individual units. Our goal is to provide flexible, terrain-independent transportation that avoids ground-based threats, in turn supporting expedited, cost-effective operations and improving the likelihood of mission success."
Currently in its final test phase, the ARES prototype is scheduled for its first flight sometime in the middle of 2015. With the ARES at their side, soldiers will have greater command over combat zones, something that’s vitally important for mission success.
While that outcome is impressive, I’m almost more astonished at how far drones have been integrated into the military’s operational structure in just the past fifteen years. Over the course of the next few decades I imagine they’ll begin taking on even more complex roles in military operations, possibly performing them without human intervention in the near future.
Images Courtesy of DARPA