Autonomous Collaborative Platforms
Abstract
Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) are uncrewed weapon systems designed to work in conjunction with current and future aircraft to provide operational flexibility and enhance operational effectiveness. Key ACP attributes include tailored cost of platforms, rapidly updateable software, autonomy, interoperability with multiple platforms and network capabilities, agility of use, lethality, and ability to penetrate challenging air environments. The program matures technology to reduce risk through development, integration, experimentation, and test activities. Autonomous Collaborative Technologies (ACT) served as the starting point for the Air Force's investment in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. ACP will explore Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy (DOTMLPF-P) concepts for uncrewed vehicles. Program activities include the employment of digital acquisitions through the application of digital engineering, agile software development, open systems architectures, and risk reduction projects. Funding provides digital systems infrastructure, operational concept exploration, technology studies, multi-domain integration assessments, operational and system architecture development, flight test and test support, prototypes, training and demonstration, program management support, as well as maturation and risk reduction of air superiority related technologies to include weapons systems, autonomy, and integrated system concept development. Program management support costs include but are not limited to contractor support services, civilian pay, supplies, and facility related expenses. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY2023, 1.692M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element. In FY2024, 0.0M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This effort is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P), because efforts are necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes or prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic operating environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 0207179F_4_3600_PB_2025
- Change Summary Explanation
- In FY2023, a Below Threshold Reprogramming occurred to realign $5.000M from PE 0207142F for Project 647123: Autonomous Collaborative Technologies. In FY2025, an adjustment was made to realign $9.789M to PE 0605807F for RDT&E Management Support.
- Service Agency Name
- Air Force
Entities
Organizations
- United States Air Force
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