Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0305205F, is an Air Force initiative focused on the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of ultra-long endurance unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The primary goal of this program is to develop, demonstrate, and transition an affordable unmanned reconnaissance aircraft capable of multi-day flight durations, known as the Ultra Long-endurance Unmanned Reconnaissance Aircraft (ULTRA). This initiative responds to operational demands for persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies.

The program was initiated by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in 2018, building on previous DoD and partner-funded efforts, such as the Long Endurance Aerial Platform UAS and various payload integration projects. The main objective is to shift the UAS design paradigm by leveraging COTS components to reduce reliance on expensive proprietary systems, thereby simplifying maintenance and reducing manpower requirements. The modular payload architecture of ULTRA allows for rapid integration of customer-driven payloads, enhancing the system's flexibility and adaptability to evolving mission needs.

In FY 2024, funding was allocated to the Engineering Analysis project, which supports the integration and preparation activities necessary for a flight demonstration of the ULTRA platform in operationally relevant environments. This funding was intended to address urgent operational needs by enabling the demonstration of ULTRA's capabilities, including the integration of new technologies and payloads from across AFRL and other partners. The demonstration aims to validate the system's performance and inform future requirements for both payload and platform enhancements.

Key technical objectives for FY 2024 included the integration of a commercial-off-the-shelf engine, electronic control unit, and control systems into the ULTRA platform. Additional efforts focused on developing aircrew training materials, preparing for operational test and evaluation, and conducting an operational assessment. These activities are designed to ensure that the ULTRA system is ready for operational deployment and can meet validated Air Force requirements prior to full-rate production.

The acquisition strategy for ULTRA involves awarding a contract modification to an existing Phase III Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract, following sole-source procedures as mandated by SBIR policy. This approach leverages the expertise of small businesses and accelerates the transition of innovative technologies into operational systems. The contract is managed by the Air Force Research Labs at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

No funding is requested for FY 2025 or FY 2026 under this program element, as the effort is being realigned into Program 0305206F, Airborne Reconnaissance Systems, Project 674818 Imaging and Targeting Support. This realignment reflects a transition from demonstration and integration activities to broader operational support and system fielding. The program may also include necessary civilian pay expenses to manage and execute the system development, supplementing other program elements as needed.