Airborne Reconnaissance Systems
Abstract
The Airborne Reconnaissance System (ARS) Program develops and integrates next generation intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. ARS includes platform-agile sensor data processing; sensor products aiding assisted target recognition algorithms and other artificial intelligence activities (e.g. geolocation models, sensor-base exploitation tools, sensor networking capabilities); and implementation of Sensor open architecture standards. The ARS Program includes the following efforts: Next-Generation Sensors (672001), Agile ISR (672002), Sensors Open System Architecture (672003), Imaging and Targeting Support (674818), Sensor Development (674820), JTS/SIL MUSE (675092), Gorgon Stare (675291), and Data Compression (676025). The ARS PE is integral to developing multi-domain, multi-Intelligence (multi-INT) research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) Program of Record (PoR) efforts in support of the National Defense Strategy (NDS) and 2018 DoD Artificial Intelligence Strategy, as applied by the Air Force in the Next Generation ISR Dominance Flight Plan. Specifically, Program 0305206F provides authorized and appropriated funding to multi-INT RDT&E efforts for utilization on airborne platforms. This program traditionally provides a multi-INT venue for integration of technologies matured in both the Advanced Technology Sensors (0604257F) and Airborne SIGINT Enterprise (0304260F) programs. NGS is a platform-agile suite of sensor technologies defined for the best flexibility and capability for an ever-changing scale of ISR missions. Execution of the NGS activities are founded upon three pillars: Open Standards, Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning(ML) algorithms, and Advanced Platform-Agile Sensors. The power behind the NGS program is an open architectural system design that enables rapid third-party software and LRU insertion/replacement allowing for DevSecOps execution, onboard multi-modal and multi-INT processing real-time, sensor cross-cueing, and AI/ML application. The AI/ML algorithms will be used to enable assisted target detection and identification. NGS will anticipate and more quickly counter adversaries' future improvements in their abilities to hide from and defeat ISR sensors. NGS efforts include, but are not limited to: Multi-Intelligence Common Open Architecture Reconnaissance Programs Standard (MI-COARPS), Advanced Platform-Agile Sensors, Assisted Target Recognition for ISR (ATRI), and Digital Engineering (DE), to include Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). The Open Standards pillar of next generation capabilities is supported through MI-COARPS and Sensors Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) which coordinates advanced technologies and open architecture development for multi-INT sensor modalities. The AI/ML algorithm pillar of next generation capabilities will be supported by the Agile ISR and Data Compression efforts. Detection, Removal and Characterization Operations (DRACO) supports the development of a robust image quality improvement capability for airborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) products. Additionally, the Reduction of Data Using Compression Enhancement (RDUCE) develops data compression algorithms, addressing current and future systems' bandwidth limitations. Consistent with NDS, algorithms are multi-INT sensor agile that are submitted for formal adoption by the DOD-Intelligence Community (IC) Joint Enterprise Standards Committee (JESC) GEOINT and SIGINT standards groups. Platform agile sensors pillar of next-generation capabilities will be supported by the Sensor Development effort, which includes the Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System (ASARS) front-end antenna array and receiver exciter advancements (ASARS-2B). ASARS-2B follow-on RDT&E extends range, enhances SAR performance and introduces maritime capability, while laying the framework for future use of open architectures. Additional efforts that support the next generation capabilities include continuation of Gorgon Stare Wide Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) RDT&E and the Multiple Unified Simulation Environment (MUSE) Joint Technology Center/Systems Integration Lab (JTC/SIL) by supporting ISR Training. The total cost of the NGS Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is 131.7 million, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. NGS is not fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. The Department of the Air Force is assessing all options to address the funding shortfalls for MTA programs including additional funding in a future budget request, performance trades based on technical maturity, or transition to alternative pathways. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY20 0.857M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY21 1.742M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2023
- Source ID
- 0305206F_7_3600_PB_2023
- Change Summary Explanation
- FY21 increase due to an approved BTR supporting ASARS-2B. The FY 2022 President's Budget submittal did not reflect FY 2023 through FY 2026 funding. Therefore, an explanation of the change between the two budget positions for FY2023 cannot be made in a relevant manner. The decrease from FY22 to FY23 is due to higher priorities of the Air Force.
- Service Agency Name
- Air Force
Entities
Organizations
- United States Air Force
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