Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SUAV) (6.4)

The Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SUAV) program aims to address operational gaps for battalion and below ground maneuver elements by providing critical situational awareness and enhanced force protection. This initiative involves developing the Rucksack Portable Uncrewed Aircraft System (RPUAS) Family of Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (FoSUAS), which includes Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR), Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR), and Long Range Reconnaissance (LRR) systems. These systems are designed to offer organic and responsive reconnaissance and targeting capabilities, delivering real-time Full Motion Video and sensor data to inter-operable digital data-linked systems.

The SRR capability, utilizing the RQ-28A SRR, is currently in its second-generation prototyping phase from FY2022 to FY2025. This phase aims to enhance capabilities with modular payloads, obstacle avoidance, target recognition, automated following, and common software across all Group I and II UAS. Meanwhile, the LRR system is being developed to support Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) efforts with a focus on assured positioning, navigation, timing, and optimized data links for modular mission payloads in contested environments.

Additionally, the Joint Tactical Autonomous Aerial Resupply System (JTAARS) is being developed as an autonomous aerial cargo delivery system. It aims to provide rapid and agile sustainment options for highly mobile tactical combat forces by reducing reliance on ground lines of communication and manned convoys. JTAARS will have a lift capability over a 13 km one-way distance.

In FY2025, the program plans to investigate GPS Denied Navigation systems, resilient Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT), as well as advanced low probability of detect/intercept data-links for both SRR and LRR. The focus will also be on developing interfaces for common mission payloads such as communications relay, electronic warfare payloads, and lethal munition payloads. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that these unmanned systems can operate effectively in diverse operational environments while enhancing the capabilities of ground forces.