Unmanned Aircraft System Universal Products

The Unmanned Aircraft System Universal Products program, designated as Program Element (PE) 0607143A, is a Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative managed by the Army. Its primary goal is to develop and field the Scalable Control Interface (SCI), a permissions-based software suite that enables soldiers to simultaneously control multiple types of unmanned or optionally-manned aircraft and their payloads through a universal interface. This program is designed to enhance operational flexibility and efficiency by distributing UAS control capabilities across a wide range of Army users, including soldiers, commanders, and battle staff.

The Scalable Control Interface (SCI) is central to the program's objectives. SCI leverages a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) to facilitate rapid integration of new hardware and software, thereby reducing both time and cost in response to evolving operational needs. The software is intended to be hosted on mission command devices in ground and airborne platforms, including mobile/handheld environments, mounted computing environments, and command post environments. SCI's universal interface supports simultaneous employment of multiple aircraft and payloads from a single control node.

A key objective of the SCI development is to incorporate advanced technologies such as decision aiding, autonomy, and artificial intelligence as these capabilities mature. This integration aims to support Multi-Domain Operations and reduce the cognitive workload on operators. The program's phased acquisition strategy, overseen by Project Manager Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (PM-UAS), is designed to bridge current systems, integrate future platforms, and continuously evolve SCI capabilities. The Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team (FVL CFT) and Army Capability Manager Unmanned Aircraft System serve as lead capability developers, ensuring user needs are prioritized and integrated into the system's development.

For Fiscal Year 2025, RDT&E funding is allocated to support software development for Launched Effects, the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System, and other prioritized platforms. This includes engineering support, software development, and system-level integration activities. The program also includes test and evaluation efforts to validate SCI's performance and interoperability across various platforms and operational environments. Funding adjustments for FY 2026 reflect a realignment to a related program element focused on agile systems development for UAS launched effects.

The SBIR/STTR Transfer line item reflects funding transferred in accordance with Title 15 USC 638, supporting small business innovation research and technology transfer activities. This component ensures that innovative solutions from the private sector are considered and potentially integrated into the SCI development process, further enhancing the program's technological base.

The acquisition strategy for SCI follows the Software Acquisition Pathway, as directed by an Acquisition Decision Memorandum signed in October 2022. PM-UAS coordinates the Army's efforts for UAS command and control development, maintaining a product roadmap and backlog based on user agreements and feedback from field and simulated test events. This iterative development approach ensures that SCI remains responsive to operational requirements and technological advancements.