The Rapid Innovation Cell (RIC) - UK MOD Open Architecture and Testing Approach for C-sUAS (Counter Drone) Systems

The misuse of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) represents a significant and growing risk to operations and day-to-day Defence activity both in the UK and overseas.

The Rapid Innovation Cell (RIC), endorsed by the Military Capability Board, has been established as part of the UAS Capability Development Centre (UASCDC) to test and evaluate (T&E) mature C-sUAS capabilities and generate a managed Defence database of available capabilities. Through a regular programme of T&E events, the RIC will establish the efficacy of commercially available capabilities. It will also increase broader awareness of the C-sUAS market and support a more agile method of delivering capability to the front line.

To prevent capability gaps and ensure interoperability, it is intended that Defence C-sUAS systems will use the 'SAPIENT' open architecture. This will also ensure that our systems can evolve at the component level enabling the spiral development of capability.

RIC Test Cycle #1

The RIC has established a series of Test Cycles. Each Test Cycle will focus on a particular subset of C-sUAS systems. Test Cycles will be scheduled for every six months, nominally in the autumn and spring of each year.

Suppliers of mature C-sUAS products are invited to apply to have their product's performance assessed by the RIC. To apply you must complete the appropriate online questionnaire for your product. The product questionnaires will be available from 11:00am Monday 24th August, 2020, and responses must be fully completed and submitted by 11:00am Monday 21st September, 2020. Please complete a separate product questionnaire for each product that you wish to put forward for assessment.

Test Cycle #1, will focus on two types of system:

1. static, land-based, integrated C-sUAS systems (consisting of a minimum two types of sensors and an RF jammer, integrated with C2)

2. static, land-based, passive RF detection sensors

Your response to the product questionnaire will be carefully evaluated. Your product will be eligible for the next phase of testing (Factory Tests) if it meets our maturity requirements and is clearly within the scope of the two types of system described above. A full set of guidance and testing criteria are provided on the UK C-sUAS Defence Portal.