Tender: MINERVA Initiative — Uncrewed VTOL Air System for Cargo and Munitions Delivery (Department of National Defence)

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The Department of National Defence (DND) is seeking a supplier to develop a domestically produced prototype uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) under the MINERVA Initiative for short-range aerial delivery of cargo and munitions. Phase 2 proposals (TRL 5–9) must include an air vehicle, sensor payload, ground control station (GCS), radio, battery with charger, and a remote antenna; meet essential performance requirements including a minimum 5 kg payload, maximum takeoff weight under 25 kg, minimum operational radius of 10 km, 30 minutes endurance while carrying payload, VTOL within a 2 m² footprint, stowage in a 70-litre pack, and minimum operational altitude of 1000 ft AGL; operate between −20°C and +40°C, in winds up to 40 km/h and light rain/snow (0.5 mm/m²/hr); and satisfy additional outcomes such as specific sensor recognition ranges (day/night), noise limits (≤5 dB SPL at 500 m), AES-256k (or equivalent) encryption, non-EM or fibre-optic communications option, return-to-location on loss of link, an alternate non-electric or hybrid power option, aggregated projected production cost ≤ $40,000 CAD per system, and documentation showing critical components (radio, GCS, on-board computer, any software) and their country of origin/OEM details. Phase 2 maximum funding is $500,000 CAD, project duration up to 15 months, with an estimated five contracts; the challenge opens 24 August 2026 and closes 5 October 2026 at 14:00 ET, and selected prototypes will require travel to Suffield, Alberta for demonstration.