Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SUAV) (6.5)

The Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SUAV) (6.5) program, under Program Element PE 0605205A, is an Army initiative focused on the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of a family of small uncrewed aircraft systems (FoSUAS). The goal of this program is to provide Army formations at the battalion level and below with advanced, modular, and scalable unmanned aerial systems to enhance situational awareness, force protection, and operational effectiveness in multi-domain operations. The program is managed by the Army and is aligned with the Joint Small Uncrewed Aircraft System Capability Development Document (J-sUAS CDD), ensuring interoperability and addressing current and emerging operational gaps.

Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) is a key component of the SUAV program, designed to equip maneuver platoons with lightweight, short-range, and short-endurance uncrewed aerial vehicles. The SRR systems feature modular payloads, obstacle avoidance, target recognition, automated following, and networked capabilities. The primary objective is to provide organic reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) support at the platoon level. Funding supports system integration, testing, and evaluation, particularly for the SRR Next Generation, with a focus on rapid prototyping and transition to production.

Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) is intended to provide company-level intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities within Brigade Combat Teams. The MRR systems are designed for extended range and endurance, incorporating assured positioning, navigation, and timing (APNT), electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) sensors, laser targeting, and kinetic architectures suitable for contested environments. The MRR program is informed by company-level directed requirements and aims to develop modular mission payloads, targeting, intelligence identification, classification, and survivability features, including secure encryption.

Long Range Reconnaissance (LRR) supports maneuver battalions with uncrewed air vehicles capable of RSTA missions at greater distances. LRR systems are designed to be lightweight, with extended range and endurance. These systems are equipped with APNT, EO/IR, laser targeting, and can integrate communication relay, electronic warfare, and lethal munitions payloads. Funding is allocated to system development, integration, and testing of critical components, with a focus on survivability and secure communications.

Joint Tactical Autonomous Aerial Resupply System (JTAARS) is an autonomous aerial cargo delivery system designed to provide rapid and agile sustainment for highly mobile tactical combat forces. JTAARS reduces reliance on ground lines of communication, minimizes threats to manned convoys, and lightens the logistical burden on soldiers. The system is capable of carrying payloads over significant distances. Funding is directed toward technical data development, assessment task finalization, technology gap resolution, software integration, and compliance with the C5ISR/EW Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS).

Purpose Built Attritable System (PBAS) is focused on providing maneuver platoons with uncrewed air vehicles capable of delivering lethal and non-lethal effects. PBAS systems have a minimum range and endurance, and include first-person viewer (FPV) goggles, controllers, leader displays, and multiple air vehicles with modular payloads for various armaments. Funding supports system integration, testing, and evaluation, with the goal of rapidly fielding attritable systems that can be employed in high-risk environments.

The SUAV program employs a variety of acquisition pathways, including Middle Tier Acquisition for rapid prototyping, Major Capability Acquisition for production, and Urgent Capability Acquisition for accelerated fielding. The program is managed by the Army's Project Manager for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (PM UAS) at Redstone Arsenal, with ongoing systems engineering, program management, and test and evaluation activities. The integration of a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) across all platforms ensures adaptability, interoperability, and the ability to incorporate emerging technologies to meet evolving operational requirements.