SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

The Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) program is a part of the Army's Aircraft Procurement budget activity. The specific goal of this program is to provide the battalion and below ground maneuver elements with an organic, on-demand asset to develop situational awareness, enhance force protection, and secure routes, points, and areas. The program aims to provide the small unit commander with an organic and responsive reconnaissance and targeting capability through real-time Full Motion Video and sensor data. This includes the procurement of three separate hand-launched mission-specific configurable aircraft: the Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR), the Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR), and the Long Range Reconnaissance (LRR). The SRR platform is intended to be an inexpensive, rucksack portable, vertical takeoff landing (VTOL) small unmanned aircraft that provides rapid deployed reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition capability to enhance situational awareness beyond the next terrain feature.

The objectives of Program 9678A12500 include the procurement of specific quantities of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems for each mission-specific configurable aircraft. For example, in FY2024, the program plans to procure 459 Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Systems. These systems consist of two air vehicles, one Handheld Ground Control Station (HGCS), Digital Data Link (DDL), and Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Payload. The program also includes funding for initial spares packages, training, fielding, technical support, and program support. Additionally, it aims to achieve specific improvements in capabilities for Tranche 2 of SRR procurement in FY2025, such as nighttime obstacle avoidance, advanced autonomy/Artificial Intelligence, M-Code GPS, anti-jam/multi-band radio, Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), improved flight time and range, improved handheld GCS, common UAS software, lowered audible signature, reduced weight, and cyber hardening. Furthermore, the program plans to begin procurement for LRR in FY2027 to prepare for fielding in FY2028.