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]. Due to higher Air Force priorities in FY23, the activities were strategically paused and future FY24 efforts have moved to PE 64257F BPAC 642001 for continued prototyping, technology maturation, and risk reduction. 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. This program element may include necessary emergent or unanticipated civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver the ARS program for emergent or unanticipated weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F. In PY23 .261M and in CY24 .266M was expended 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, 2024
- Source ID
- 0305206F_7_3600_PB_2024
- Change Summary Explanation
- FY22 Congressional Adds for ASARS-2B (24M) and Gorgon Stare (12.5M). The decrease in FY24 from the previous President's Budget is due to a decrease in ASARS-2B development.
- Service Agency Name
- Air Force
Entities
Organizations
- United States Air Force
Related Documents
- Child Project: Next-Generation Sensors
- Child Accomplishment: Next Generation Sensors
- Child Cost Item: 6a847a72b10e5441bc61068f82427285
- Child Cost Item: e1864478e0272da2edb2fc899a1389da
- Child Cost Item: 8d69a11984be0b28dce7fe2d254f8170
- Child Cost Item: 5ff775094bfcdea9859bb9893f008c4d
- Child Cost Item: 137d47a8300207f98d290ce1610c3b3f
- Child Cost Item: 3707d296f4d6029f39c4ce81544f44f1
- Child Cost Item: a2bfeafe73fe5aa7328913dde2b304b6
- Child Project: Agile ISR
- Child Accomplishment: DRACO
- Child Accomplishment: AgilePod
- Child Cost Item: 8c701058f3c925b12feb631e4c9aa53d
- Child Cost Item: 8e5afd7a64b8d830a6cea756d4181688
- Child Cost Item: 9914153fc1a39213aa81dcfdd1a3e47a
- Child Project: Sensors Open System Architecture
- Child Accomplishment: Sensors Open System Architecture
- Child Cost Item: 9f8d2327273ab7ad470f357e72422aaa
- Child Cost Item: ab58e1831e464bf39b9374a3f6fb03af
- Child Cost Item: 1c47157d8d37576999d31653b299d3b5
- Child Cost Item: e39faecd68bf0a2b73fd3070f4a24127
- Child Cost Item: 6b49d138b863de12167b961ce9e9f506
- Child Cost Item: 77a5ebc40c57ee8a0ee2e4bdc6c57421
- Child Cost Item: 1ef4210c16a9ca126c7c755560b8dc54
- Child Cost Item: fd6dbe99ca117feff70796773d3f692f
- Child Cost Item: 6c9f3faeae87058363a217795e60b46a
- Child Cost Item: 60f50ed789c0ee936fc0be3624d89af9
- Child Cost Item: 2bfd66450b9e076f1b7d89496f31bf3a
- Child Project: Imaging and Targeting Support
- Child Accomplishment: ISR Tech Dev
- Child Cost Item: a9365a108458c29b5d6323f48a02de77
- Child Project: Sensor Development
- Child Accomplishment: Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System [ASARS]-2B (front-end)
- Child Accomplishment: Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System [ASARS]-2C [back-end]
- Child Cost Item: 44cdab136088598485a56f4c29c37a93
- Child Cost Item: 0124dde2495cd920a4eb5956b2915f7b
- Child Cost Item: 46d264e248cd5e91620a281494ab5f5b
- Child Project: JTC/SIL MUSE
- Child Accomplishment: Air Force Synthetic Environment for Reconnaissance and Surveillance (AFSERS) Development
- Child Cost Item: 47c549406f466bf9fa28f41c8e9feda5
- Child Cost Item: 1f37c3c3e35fc6c0cad9fc4a4868ba8b
- Child Project: Gorgon Stare
- Child Cost Item: fba90afd7b84cac9fc96782b8a9ca9f1
- Child Project: Data Compression
- Child Accomplishment: Data Compression
- Child Cost Item: ae254c87af91cbdcd4e28210b3f6c01d
- Child Cost Item: 47d086220ba9f399e66a97d0e9398b44
- Child Cost Item: 40ddc2b3f94d42b39d529154ad623c34
- Child Cost Item: 218128397eedc4e9358fa47c44e0ec3d
- Child Cost Item: e5bbb68a513b69bab7dfcc8d58792757
- Child Cost Item: 9c7f79fc180bac0ef647ee680b17e7ff
- Child Cost Item: 19d9129123ec51a1e3b147ee01404e15
- Child Cost Item: bee68acd0904dca39ef107eaa457fa2c
- Child Cost Item: 688dc0f0b3d1a5d8d488e44e12f302e8
- Child Cost Item: ad8ae81f74031c842e7b72b3b9bde609
- Child Cost Item: a734dd62348523c9aff0594b4e5935dd
- Child Cost Item: 0088e75c0c490080799ccb646fdd3155
- Child Cost Item: 2f1293ee879b238bb3692667fab448fd