Unmanned Aerial System

The PE 0603128N: Unmanned Aerial System program is a Navy Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing unmanned aerial system (UAS) capabilities for Marine Corps and Navy operations. The program's primary objective is to develop, integrate, and test mission-enabling technologies for medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAS platforms. It specifically addresses requirements outlined in the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Unmanned Aircraft System Expeditionary (MUX) Initial Capabilities Document and subsequent requirements clarification. The program aims to deliver enhanced electronic warfare, maritime domain awareness, tactical automation, and airborne network support to improve operational effectiveness in contested environments.

Project 3448 supports the design, development, integration, and testing of payloads and sensors for the MQ-9A platform. Key goals include the development of mission systems such as the Detect and Avoid System (DAAS), Airborne Network Extension (ANE)/SkyTower II, Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities, and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) pods. The project leverages spiral development and integration of hardware and software to pace evolving threats, with support from test squadrons UX-24 and VMX-1 for capability validation and operational testing. The FY 2026 budget reflects a transition from primary hardware/software development to procurement activities and alternative material solution studies for MDA requirements.

MALE Primary Hardware/Software Development/Integration funding supports the engineering and integration of mission system payloads identified in the MUX ICD. This includes non-recurring engineering, design work, and integration of air vehicle and ground control station components. The program also covers software upgrades and baseline development to support evolving mission requirements. In FY 2026, efforts shift toward finalizing development, integrating new capabilities, and preparing for procurement and fielding of tested solutions.

MALE Mission Systems Payload Support provides programmatic, engineering, logistics, and test support for the integration of sensors and payloads into the MQ-9A system. This includes technical requirements refinement, contract award support, and full integration of sensors to meet operational needs. The FY 2026 budget decrease reflects the completion of primary development for EW and SkyTower II, with a shift to procurement and management services for mission sensor development and integration.

MALE Developmental and Operational Test funding enables comprehensive testing of mission system payloads, including environmental and electromagnetic effects, emitter verification, and sensitivity assessments for DAAS, EW, MDA, and ANE/SkyTower II pods. FY 2026 activities focus on developmental and operational testing of system architecture, mission systems, and associated networks, supporting the transition to procurement and fielding of validated capabilities.

Project 9999 includes funding for the Autonomous Maritime Patrol Aircraft (AMPA), an ultra-long endurance, solar-powered UAS designed to address persistent Command, Control, and Communications (C3) and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) gaps identified in Fleet and Combatant Command priority lists. The AMPA project aims for extended endurance, significant payload capacity, and electrical power for simultaneous operation of C3/ISR payloads. FY 2024 efforts focus on flight testing, design refinement, systems engineering, and fleet experimentation, culminating in a flight demonstration to validate operational viability and inform future acquisition strategies.