Airborne Reconnaissance Systems

The Airborne Reconnaissance Systems (ARS) Program Element (PE 0305206F) is a comprehensive Air Force initiative focused on developing and integrating next-generation intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The primary goals of the ARS program are to modernize airborne geospatial sensor capabilities, enhance multi-domain and multi-intelligence (multi-INT) operations, and support the rapid transition of advanced technologies into operational use. The program aligns with the National Defense Strategy and the Department of Defense's Artificial Intelligence Strategy, ensuring that the Air Force remains agile and effective in contested environments.

Agile ISR (672002) is a key line item within ARS, dedicated to maturing and deploying platform-agnostic, non-proprietary, autonomous ISR solutions. Objectives include the development of High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) sensor constellations, Detection Removal and Characterization Operations (DRACO) for improving synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image quality, and the AgilePod, a modular pod system for rapid integration of advanced technologies. Agile ISR emphasizes rapid software releases, cross-cueing between sensors, and the integration of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms to enhance target detection and identification. The program supports multiple services and is structured to respond to emerging classified threats.

Sensors Open System Architecture (SOSA) (672003) aims to establish open, non-proprietary hardware and software standards for embedded systems across radar, SIGINT, electronic warfare, communications, and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) applications. The goal is to enable rapid fielding of new capabilities by leveraging commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, reducing costs, and improving interoperability. SOSA activities include the development of technical standards, prototyping, conformance testing, and integration with other Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) standards. The program office, now under the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, coordinates with industry and other government agencies to ensure broad adoption and ongoing evolution of the standards.

Imaging and Targeting Support (I&TS) (674818) focuses on the development and demonstration of persistent, wide-area surveillance and common imagery reconnaissance sensor capabilities. A major effort under this line is the Uncrewed Long-endurance Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft (ULTRA), which is designed for multi-day ISR missions with modular payload integration and affordability in mind. The program leverages commercial technologies and lessons learned from previous Air Force Research Laboratory and DoD projects. In FY25, the focus is on integrating new engines, payloads, and control systems, as well as conducting operational test and evaluation. Starting in FY26, ULTRA transitions to a new program element for continued development.

Sensor Development (674820) is responsible for advancing the Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System (ASARS) for high-altitude ISR platforms like the U-2. Objectives include extending the range and performance of SAR systems, introducing open architecture processing, and enabling multi-platform integration. The ASARS-2B (front-end) and ASARS-2C (back-end) efforts focus on hardware upgrades and open data processing, respectively, to improve detection, tracking, and interoperability. These developments are foundational for future radar components in the Next Generation Sensors family of systems, supporting deep-look ISR and addressing key operational challenges.

JTC/SIL MUSE (675092) supports the Multiple Unified Simulation Environment (MUSE), which provides simulation and training for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), and other airborne ISR platforms. The program delivers realistic operational environments for training, tactics development, and mission rehearsal, supporting joint and service-specific exercises. MUSE/AFSERS (Air Force Synthetic Environment for Reconnaissance and Surveillance) is widely used across the DoD for ISR training, incorporating evolving sensor models, cyber security updates, and integration with distributed training centers. The Joint Technology Center/Systems Integration Laboratory (JTC/SIL) manages ongoing development, ensuring interoperability and rapid technology insertion.

Data Compression (676025) develops and implements advanced sensor data compression and decompression algorithms for airborne and space-based ISR platforms. The Reduction of Data Using Compression Enhancement (RDUCE) project aims to maximize bandwidth efficiency, accelerate data transmission, and ensure compatibility with DoD and Intelligence Community standards. The program supports a range of sensor modalities, including SAR, hyperspectral imaging, and LIDAR, and is focused on integrating compression solutions into open architectures. Continuous research, development, and certification efforts ensure that data compression capabilities remain operationally relevant and ready for new requirements.