Future Vertical Lift Advanced Technology

The Future Vertical Lift Advanced Technology program element (PE 0603465A) is a key component of the Army's modernization strategy, focusing on maturing and demonstrating advanced technologies for both manned and unmanned vertical lift platforms. The overarching goal is to enhance combat and support operations such as attack, reconnaissance, air assault, survivability, logistics, and command and control by integrating next-generation mission systems, teaming capabilities, and platform innovations. This program is coordinated with related efforts in Future Vertical Lift Technology, Air Platform Applied Research, and Air Platform Advanced Technology, and aligns with Department of Defense science and technology priorities.

AJ9: Integrated Mission Equipment for Vertical Lift Systems Advanced Technology aims to mature and demonstrate a flexible, tiered mission systems architecture for Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platforms. The project leverages Model Based Engineering and Modular Open Systems Architecture strategies to create a resilient digital backbone capable of adapting to rapidly changing threat environments. In FY 2025, the focus is on completing integration and demonstration of mission system components in the Mission Systems Flying Test Bed (MSFTB) lab and flight tests on experimental UH-60M aircraft. Lessons learned and transition products will support broader adoption.

AK5: Multi-Role Small Guided Missile Advanced Technology is designed to mature and demonstrate technologies for affordable, expeditionary rockets and missiles that provide defeat of conventional and asymmetric threats. The project includes development of a short-to-medium range loitering missile with man-in-the-loop capability and technologies for simultaneous launch and autonomous engagement of multiple missiles. FY 2025 activities include system-level demonstrations of multi-missile engagement technologies, validating hardware-in-the-loop and high-fidelity simulation data, and reducing operator workload during complex engagements.

AK8: Air Launched Effects Advanced Technology focuses on developing and demonstrating the capability to launch Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) from FVL platforms at tactical altitudes, with control from cockpit or crew stations. The project assesses the operational relevance of these air-launched effects, which include electronic attack, decoy, and communications relay functions. FY 2025 plans involve flight demonstrations of prototype UAS, evaluation of secure communications payloads, and synchronized multi-UAS operations to breach integrated air defense systems in joint all-domain operations.

AL1: Advanced Teaming for Tactical Aviation Operations Advanced Technology matures frameworks for autonomous teaming behaviors, decision-making, and visualization for FVL and Future Unmanned Aircraft System (FUAS) formations in complex environments. Efforts include multi-function sensing systems to increase survivability, autonomous team-of-teams operations, advanced target acquisition payloads, and heads-up display sensing for improved situational awareness. FY 2026 will see integration of AI and non-AI technologies into autonomy software suites, persistent experimentation, and validation of advanced sensor payloads and display systems.

BP8: Future Vertical Lift Air Platform Advanced Technology (Congressional Adds) encompasses a range of initiatives funded by Congressional interest, such as additive manufacturing for maintenance, advanced air mobility, composite structure research, platform digitization, rotor blade efficiency enhancements, and advanced helicopter seating systems. These projects support sustainment, modernization, and multi-mission capability for unmanned aircraft. FY 2024-2025 activities include technology demonstrations, tool development, and material research to improve performance, reliability, and maintainability of vertical lift platforms.

Other notable line items include CA8: Advanced Rotorcraft Armaments Protection Systems, which develops holistic lethality and countermeasure solutions for offensive and defensive applications. CC4: FVL Radar Advanced Technologies matures next-generation radar capabilities for detection, tracking, and targeting. CG1: Holistic Team Survivability Advanced Technology focuses on multi-layered survivability solutions in advanced air defense environments. CI8: Adaptive Avionics Advanced Technologies advances rapidly adaptable mission systems hardware and software. CJ5: Future Vertical Lift Medical Advanced Technology develops medical guidelines and technologies for aircrew performance and protection. CK2: High Speed Maneuverable Missile Advanced Technology matures missile technologies for long-range, maneuverable, multi-domain operations. Each project is executed by specialized Army centers and laboratories, and collectively, these efforts are intended to ensure technological overmatch, enhanced survivability, and operational effectiveness for future Army aviation missions.