Aviation Department UAS Purchase

2026-11-03

Minnesota State on behalf of Minnesota State University , Mankato Aviation Department seeks to acquire a professional - grade Unmanned Aircraft System ( UAS ) equipped with multiple advanced sensors to support the growing needs of our upper - division UAS curriculum . As the UAS industry evolves toward increasingly complex , data - driven operations , our academic programs must ensure students gain hands - on experience with the same technologies and workflows used by government agencies , research institutions , and commercial operators . Technical / Functional Requirements ; Delivery , Set - Up and Training Timeline : Provide delivery of product and set - up and training services by 5 / 8 / 26 is preferred , but no later than 6 / 26 / 26 . A contract will be required ( the university will draft it ). Quantity : 1 complete UAS package ( aircraft , sensors , software , and ground control components ). Acceptable Model ( s ): Wingtra Ray or equivalent system . Must meet or exceed all functional and performance specifications . Minimum required technical specifications : 1 . Vertical Takeoff and Landing ( VTOL ) capability with fixed - wing cruise for extended coverage . 2 . Minimum 55 minutes endurance with standard sensor payload . 3 . System must support multiple , swappable payloads and include : a ) Multispectral Sensor ; b ) LiDAR Sensor 4 . Parachute or equivalent safety system allowing flight over people in accordance with FAA regulations . 5 . Minimum two flight batteries ( pairs allowed if required by aircraft ). 6 . Compatible battery charger ( s ) capable of safely charging included batteries . 7 . Software licenses that support sensor functionality ( minimum 1 year ). 8 . Standard manufacturer ’ s warranty ( minimum 1 year ). 9 . On - site setup , training and introduction to basic operations to be conducted on - site by qualified staff . 10 . One year of customer support services by qualified staff . ( Introductory plan is sufficient .) 11 . Provide a detailed , itemized quote . Include all shipping rates , trip charges and any and all fees . Must list one final total on bid document . ( Do not list mileage , meals , hotel , travel accommodations , or reimbursement requests . If there are charges for these , please include that with a trip charge , set - up , or training fee .) 12 . Must be located within one hundred - fifty ( 150 ) miles from the campus of Minnesota State University , Mankato . We require on - site work on campus . This equipment will have a high operational demand for instructional use and research projects . Currently , there are no redundant systems available if the product is not functioning properly . Support needs to be readily available from a local business for any and all repairs to occur within the same course registration period to avoid any administrative refunds to students .

Minnesota

2026-05-02