Autonomous Collaborative Platforms

The Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0207179F, is an Air Force research and development initiative focused on advancing uncrewed weapon systems designed to operate in concert with both current and future crewed aircraft. The primary goals of the ACP program are to enhance operational flexibility, increase lethality, and improve survivability in contested environments through the integration of autonomous, networked, and rapidly updatable platforms. The program seeks to mature key technologies and operational concepts, reduce technical and operational risk, and develop the necessary infrastructure and doctrine for effective employment of these systems.

Within this program element, the Experimental Operations Unit (EOU) serves as a central effort to explore and refine Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy (DOTMLPF-P) concepts for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The EOU's objectives include conducting operational analyses, developing and testing prototypes, and standing up a fully manned squadron to support the integration of uncrewed platforms with crewed aircraft.

The EOU invests in facility modifications, critical infrastructure, and equipment, as well as modeling and simulation environments to support the maturation of operational concepts such as Agile Combat Employment, maintenance and logistics, and crewed-uncrewed teaming. It also focuses on developing and validating training requirements, employment strategies, and supporting documentation and policy for the effective use of CCAs.

Funding supports not only research and prototype development but also operational studies, flight tests, demonstrations, and program management activities. The EOU is staffed by Air Combat Command personnel and cross-functional teams, ensuring that operational insights and requirements are integrated into the development process. The program is structured to be iterative and enduring, with ongoing activities in concept exploration, integration studies, and risk reduction through at least 2030.

The Viper Experimentation and Next-gen Operations Model (VENOM) is another key line item under the ACP program, serving as a flying autonomy testbed primarily leveraging modified F-16 aircraft or similar platforms. The VENOM effort aims to reduce risk for ACPs by testing and demonstrating autonomy reference architectures and software in a human-on-the-loop environment. The program's objectives include integrating and maturing autonomy skills such as multi-ship behaviors, Defensive Counter-Air, and Offensive Counter-Air operations.

VENOM also focuses on developing a digital autonomy test environment and common test tools to facilitate collaboration between vendors, test organizations, and program offices. Activities include aircraft hardware modifications, flight test campaigns, and the development of autonomy test infrastructure. These efforts are designed to ensure that autonomy solutions are robust, interoperable, and ready for operational deployment.

The program supports contractor services, supplies, and facility-related expenses necessary for test and demonstration activities. By leveraging both Developmental Test and Operational Test organizations, VENOM aims to accelerate the maturation of missionized autonomy models and training pipelines for future autonomous collaborative platforms.

Both the EOU and VENOM projects are funded under Budget Activity 4: Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P), reflecting their focus on evaluating integrated technologies and prototype systems in realistic operational environments. The ACP program as a whole supports digital engineering, agile software development, open systems architectures, and risk reduction projects, with the objective of delivering advanced autonomous capabilities to enhance air superiority and operational effectiveness for the Air Force.