Unmanned Aerial Systems Launched Effects Agile Systems Development

The Unmanned Aerial Systems Launched Effects Agile Systems Development program, under Program Element (PE) 0609345A, is a key component of the Army's research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) efforts for fiscal year 2026. This program is part of the Department of Defense Capability Based (Agile) Funding Pilot, which aims to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced unmanned aerial system (UAS) technologies to enhance warfighting effectiveness and keep pace with rapid technological change. The program consolidates and realigns funding from several previous UAS-related efforts to streamline capability development and fielding.

Long Range Precision Munition (LRPM) is a central project within this program. LRPM is the lethal variant of the Launched Effects (LE) Family of Systems, designed to provide Army Aviation and Ground Forces with a precision-guided, long-range munition capable of engaging Integrated Air Defense Systems and other critical targets. The project's objectives include lethal munition prototyping, environmental and safety qualification, airworthiness testing, and technology integration. LRPM emphasizes interoperability with other manned and unmanned platforms, enabling flexible and adaptive responses in Anti-Access Area Denial (A2AD) and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) denied environments.

Lethal Semi-Autonomous Aerial Unmanned System - Engineering Development (LASSO) focuses on providing Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) with organic, immediate, and precise strike capabilities. The project supports the Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) Capability Development Document, targeting tanks, armored vehicles, and personnel with minimal collateral damage. Key objectives include engineering development of Fire Control Stations, All-Up Rounds, and system architecture, as well as rapid prototyping, safety and qualification testing, and integration of lessons from current global conflicts. LASSO also supports broader Army transformation initiatives and leverages Other Transaction Authority (OTA) for expedited contracting and fielding.

Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) aims to enhance situational awareness at the infantry squad level. SBS is a small, easily deployable unmanned aerial vehicle that provides near-term solutions for reconnaissance, situational understanding, and joint maneuver. The focus is on developing and testing a Phase 3 variant that incorporates advanced autonomy, obstacle avoidance, edge processing, and integration with soldier systems such as Nett Warrior and the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS). The program is structured in multiple phases to incrementally add and qualify new capabilities.

Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) encompasses the Family of Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (FoSUAS), which are critical for battalion and below echelons. The SUAS portfolio includes Short, Medium, and Long Range Reconnaissance systems, as well as the Joint Tactical Autonomous Aerial Resupply System (JTAARS) and Purpose Built Attritable Systems (PBAS). Objectives include systems engineering, development, demonstration, and evaluation of modular, MOSA-compliant platforms with swappable payloads, advanced autonomy, and real-time sensor data for reconnaissance, targeting, and resupply missions.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Universal Products centers on the Universal Vehicle Control (UVC) software suite. UVC enables Soldiers to simultaneously control multiple types of uncrewed or optionally-manned aircraft and payloads from a single, permissions-based interface. Goals include development of a Minimum Viable Product and Capability Release to support Launched Effects, integration with Mission Command devices, and incorporation of artificial intelligence and autonomy features. UVC is developed using a phased software acquisition strategy, emphasizing rapid adaptation to evolving operational requirements.