MULTI SENSOR ABN RECON

The Multi Sensor Airborne Reconnaissance program, part of the Army's Aircraft Procurement initiative, aims to enhance airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. This program includes key systems such as the Airborne Reconnaissance Low - Enhanced (ARL-E), Guardrail Common Sensor (GRCS), and Enhanced Medium Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System (EMARSS). These systems are designed to provide tactical commanders with timely and accurate intelligence support across various operational environments.

The ARL-E system is a self-deployable ISR platform that replaces older aircraft models to align with the Aerial ISR 2020 Strategy. Its primary objective is to enhance sensor capabilities through new and refurbished sensors. These enhancements include broad-area surveillance, focused target observation, and robust communications intelligence. The ARL-E supports combatant commanders by providing persistent ISR capabilities through its integration with the Distributed Common Ground System-Army (DCGS-A).

The GRCS system plays a critical role in signals intelligence collection, offering near-real-time intelligence to tactical commanders. It is designed to detect, locate, and classify targets with precision, supporting long-range targeting in challenging environments. Modernization efforts for GRCS aim to address obsolescence issues and ensure continued relevance in anti-access area denial scenarios. The objectives include maintaining a fleet of RC-12X aircraft equipped for comprehensive SIGINT operations.

EMARSS represents the Army's latest generation of manned airborne intelligence systems, focusing on direct support for surface target detection and classification. It provides advanced sensor capabilities, including electro-optical/infrared imaging and communications intelligence. The program's goals include pre-planned product improvements to further enhance these sensor capabilities. EMARSS supports both operational units and training commands, ensuring comprehensive AISR support for combatant commanders while contributing to future ISR strategies development.