# PMA-263 MRT UAS RFI — Key Requirements Reference

**Source:** NAVAIR PMA-263 RFI, Notice 243-26-024, 11 February 2026
**Retrieved from:** Public reporting (sUAS News, 14 Feb 2026), reproducing the RFI text
**Use:** Requirements-derivation source for ORL-MRTX-001
**Note:** "Any performance parameters referenced herein are provided solely for market research purposes and do not constitute finalized requirements or acquisition commitments." (RFI Section 2)

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## Section 2 — Desired System Characteristics (verbatim parameters)

| # | Characteristic | RFI Value |
|---|---|---|
| RFI-1 | AV MGTOW (with payload) | < 20 lb |
| RFI-2 | Total System Weight (incl. launch/recovery + peripheral gear) | < 75 lb |
| RFI-3 | Total Payload Capacity | > 3.75 lb |
| RFI-4 | Baseline Payload | Dual-mode gimbaled EO/IR (EO UHD, IR HD, LRF, laser designator) |
| RFI-5 | Datalink / Encryption | AES-256, FIPS 140-3 validated modules; fixed power output; multi-band bandwidth optimization |
| RFI-6 | Payload Operation | Simultaneous multi-INT payload operation |
| RFI-7 | Airspeed | > 25 KIAS |
| RFI-8 | Endurance (takeoff to landing) | ≥ 2.5 hours |
| RFI-9 | LOS Range | ≥ 40 km |
| RFI-10 | Propulsion | Electric or hybrid-electric; **non-petroleum-based** (e.g., fuel cell, renewable) |
| RFI-11 | AV Control | Operator-in-the-loop (OITL) with semi-autonomous operation |
| RFI-12 | AV Guidance | GNSS-denied capable; M-Code GPS, INU, computer vision, and/or VIO |
| RFI-13 | Multi-AV Control | Single GCS/operator controls ≥ 2 AVs |
| RFI-14 | Personnel | Max 2 operator/maintainers for deployment |
| RFI-15 | Wind Limits | Up to 25 KIAS |
| RFI-16 | Rain Limits | Up to 0.75 in/hr |
| RFI-17 | Payload Integration | Open modular architecture supporting weapon payload integration |
| RFI-18 | GCS | Man-portable, mobile, network-enabled |
| RFI-19 | Interoperability | TAK-compatible; real-time ISR dissemination to USG GFE systems |
| RFI-20 | Launch and Recovery | VTOL |
| RFI-21 | TRL | TRL 8 or higher (immediate production/fielding) |

## Mission / Operating Context (Section 1)

- Users: USMC Expeditionary Forces
- Missions: RSTA, patrolling, security & force protection, convoy ops, MOUT
- Environments: austere locations, diverse global climates, day/night, DDIL RF
- Basing: stationary and mobile platforms, amphibious ships, expeditionary advanced bases
- VTOL of interest: both FW-VTOL and multirotor VTOL
- Network: operate independently or as part of a secure collaborative network
- NDAA compliance required (FY2020 §848, FY2023 §817, FY2019 §889, American Security Drone Act 2023)

## Airworthiness-Relevant Questions from Section 3B (selected)

- 3B.6 — autonomy/AI for control; safeguards for human-on/in-the-loop
- 3B.10 — safety features: lost link, lost GPS, RTH, auto-land, geofencing, flight termination, detect-and-avoid
- 3B.16 — software/firmware traceability, explainability of autonomy, SBOM (also 3A.16)
- 3B.22 — organic obstacle/threat detect-and-avoid; sensors and operating limits
- 3B.23 — swarm capability: size, comms architecture, autonomy level, heterogeneous compatibility
- 3B.25 — battery certifications (UN 38.3, UL, NOSSA, S9310); thermal management
- 3B.26 — airworthiness processes used (company experience)
- 3B.44 / 3B.47 — precipitation/icing limits; environmental quals (MIL-STD-810H, MIL-STD-461G, IP ratings)
- 3B.45 — hybrid/IC engine fuel type, consumption, hot-refuel
- 3B.49 — airworthiness approvals/CONOPS used (Part 107 waivers, COAs, SORA)
- 3B.54 — reliability/diagnostics (MTBF, BIT/BITE, fault detection/isolation)

## Key Conflicts Latent in the RFI Itself

- **RFI-1 vs RFI-8/RFI-4/RFI-10:** <20 lb Group 1 MGTOW against ≥2.5 hr endurance + full EO/IR payload + non-petroleum propulsion does not close (per trade study TS-MRTX-PWR-001).
- **RFI-10 non-petroleum vs hybrid reality:** "non-petroleum-based (fuel cell, renewable)" preference conflicts with the JP-8 turbogenerator the realistic implementation adopts.
- **RFI-17 weapon-payload integration:** opens weapon-system airworthiness scope (deferred OWA variant per ADR-0005).
- **RFI-21 TRL 8 vs open-source autopilot:** TRL 8 (production-ready) is hard to reconcile with a community-developed flight controller lacking a traditional airworthiness evidence package.