UAS Launched Effects Agile Development

The UAS Launched Effects Agile Development program is a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative managed by the Army under the Capability Based (Agile) Funding pilot. Its primary goal is to accelerate the research, development, and deployment of advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Air Launched Effects (ALE) technologies to enhance multi-domain operations (MDO) across all Army echelons. This program is a realignment of previous efforts under the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) and Future Unmanned Aircraft System (FUAS) projects. The funding is designed to foster innovation, enable rapid prototyping, and incorporate soldier feedback to outpace adversaries in technology adoption and operational effectiveness.

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is a critical component of the Army's cross-domain capabilities concept. Its objectives include providing runway-independent, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) platforms for expeditionary reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition (RSTA), communications, and electromagnetic warfare. The UAS supports Human Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF), enabling iterative learning and rapid refinement of operational requirements. Modular payloads allow for upgraded communication, encryption, and lethality, ensuring adaptability to evolving threats.

Planned activities for UAS include executing comprehensive test and evaluation processes to validate system performance and inform further development. Agencies such as AMTC, ATEC, RTC, and ACC at Redstone Arsenal are involved in these efforts. The program also emphasizes system engineering and program management, aligning with the current UAS strategy and ensuring effective oversight and integration of new technologies. The acquisition strategy leverages a Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) approach, engaging multiple vendors and progressing through major design reviews to support rapid prototyping and fielding.

Air Launched Effects (ALE) is the larger budget line within the program. The ALE initiative aims to extend the speed, range, lethality, and survivability of Army maneuver formations by integrating air vehicles, mission systems, payloads, and advanced behaviors. ALE is designed to penetrate and disrupt enemy Anti-Access Area Denial (A2AD) environments, strengthen the kill web, and create multiple operational dilemmas for adversaries. The program is guided by requirements from an Army Requirements Oversight Council (AROC) approved Abbreviated-Capability Development Document (A-CDD), ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

Key objectives for ALE include initiating the LE-Long Range (LE-LR) program, conducting a Special User Demonstration, and executing a Technology Maturation Event. These activities will allow industry competitors to present and evaluate their air vehicle and payload solutions against Army requirements. The ALE line also supports rapid prototyping for both Short Range and Long Range variants, system integration, test and evaluation, and training. Agencies involved include PM UAS (Huntsville, AL), ATI for development and integration, and RIAC/RTC for system testing.

Both UAS and ALE lines utilize a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), which facilitates rapid integration of hardware and software upgrades and secures necessary intellectual property to avoid vendor lock-in. This approach enables the Army to contract directly with technology suppliers and government labs for future upgrades, supporting a flexible and adaptive acquisition and sustainment strategy. The program also includes interim contractor logistics support transitioning to organic Army capabilities, ensuring long-term sustainability.