Future Verticle Lift Technology

The Future Vertical Lift Technology program is a crucial part of the Army's modernization strategy, concentrating on the development of advanced aviation technologies. It aims to improve combat and support operations through innovations in air vehicle and mission system components. This initiative supports both manned and unmanned platforms, addressing missions such as attack, reconnaissance, air assault, and logistics. The research aligns with the Army Science and Technology air systems portfolio and is coordinated with other related programs to ensure a comprehensive approach to future vertical lift capabilities.

Aviation Survivability Technology within this program seeks to reduce the susceptibility of Future Vertical Lift platforms to various threats. It focuses on developing integrated systems that enhance survivability through improved situational awareness, signature management, and advanced sensors. Conducted by the Armaments Center, this project aligns with broader defense science and technology priorities. The goal is to create a robust defense against guided and unguided threats while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Advanced Teaming for Tactical Aviation Operations Technology explores subsystem technologies that enable mixed platform formations in combined arms operations. This includes developing resilient autonomy algorithms, team-based communications, and decision-aiding systems for weapons engagement. The research is carried out by the Aviation & Missile Center and C5ISR Center, aiming to improve collaborative operations in complex environments. The project emphasizes enhancing autonomous team behaviors for both air and ground platforms.

Holistic Situational Awareness and Decision Making Technology focuses on modeling pilotage systems that allow for seamless operations in challenging environments. This project integrates existing mission systems into a cohesive mission manager to optimize actions within mission teams. By engaging with academia, industry, and other defense agencies, it aims to advance mission planning tools and improve crew workload management. The research supports the development of technologies that enhance situational awareness and decision-making capabilities for Future Vertical Lift platforms.