Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS)

Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) falls under the Army's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget activity for Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (ACD&P). The primary objective of this program is to develop and field a critical unmanned aircraft system that will enhance the Army's cross-domain capabilities. The FTUAS aims to replace the RQ-7Bv2 Shadow assets within Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) and provide rapid deployability, expeditionary maneuver, and mobility for adaptive and agile operations. Additionally, the program seeks to employ Air Launched Effects (ALE) with teaming and swarming effects to penetrate defense-in-depth environments and deliver lethal and non-lethal effects against threats across cross-domain capabilities.

The program's specific goals include developing the FTUAS aircraft subsystem, including airframe, propulsion, avionics, communications, navigation, and software systems; providing ground support equipment; conducting competitive prototyping and integration efforts; and performing test and evaluation activities. Furthermore, the ALE component aims to extend tactical and operational reach, lethality, and protection to advanced teams by detecting, identifying, locating, and reporting threats. The ALE Systems Integration activities will inform requirements and support rapid fielding decisions. The program also includes funding for Systems Engineering/Program Management efforts to align with current ALE strategy and FTUAS milestone decision requirements. Overall, the program seeks to enhance the Army's unmanned aircraft capabilities while ensuring interoperability with other systems and meeting urgent capability acquisition needs.