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: Agile ISR [672002], Sensors Open System Architecture [672003], Imaging and Targeting Support [674818], Sensor Development [674820], JTC/SIL MUSE [675092], 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 Element 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. ARS 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 ARS activities are founded upon three pillars: Open Standards, Artificial Intelligence [AI]/Machine Learning [ML] algorithms, and Advanced Platform-Agile Sensors. The power behind the ARS programs is an open architectural system design that enables rapid third-party software and line replicable unit 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. ARS will anticipate and more quickly counter adversaries' future improvements in their abilities to hide from and defeat ISR sensors. In FY23, the Next Generation Sensor activities were moved to PE 0604257F BPAC 642001 for continued prototyping, technology maturation, and risk reduction. In FY25 HALE is a new start. The open standards pillar of next generation capabilities is supported through 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. Algorithms are multi-INT, sensor agnostic, solutions and are submitted for formal adoption by the DOD-Intelligence Community [IC] Joint Enterprise Standards Committee [JESC] GEOINT and SIGINT standards groups. The 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], and the ASARS-2C [back end] data processing efforts. 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 the Multiple Unified Simulation Environment [MUSE] Joint Technology Center/Systems Integration Lab [JTC/SIL] by supporting ISR Training. The I&TS Ultra Long-endurance Unmanned Reconnaissance Aircraft (ULTRA) is an Air Force-led technology and concept development effort to demonstrate an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) that is capable of multiple-day duration flights while still being extremely affordable. ULTRA leverages commercial-off-the-shelf technologies to minimize expensive custom/proprietary items while at the same time simplifying maintenance and manpower costs. The payload integration for ULTRA maintains a modular and flexible architecture to allow for rapid integration of customer-driven payload options. In 2020 ULTRA performed limited operational test and evaluation over a six-month period, the results of which informed payload and system requirements to meet current and future needs. Future operational test and evaluation in relevant operational environments is a critical next step in developing ULTRA as an affordable ultra-long endurance ISR platform that is responsive to current and future needs. The ULTRA effort is not a new start. It is a flight demonstration of the ULTRA program, which was previously executed in FY24 under Program 0305205F Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; in FY23 and prior years under Program 0604555D8Z Operational Energy Prototyping, and under Section 219 authorities. 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 FY23, 0.209M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY24 0.458M 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, 2025
- Source ID
- 0305206F_7_3600_PB_2025
- Change Summary Explanation
- FY23 $5M Congressional Add for Gorgon Stare. In FY23, PE 0304260F, Airborne SIGINT Enterprise, Project 675183, Common Development efforts were transferred to PE 0305206F, Airborne Reconnaissance Systems, Project 672002, Agile ISR, and Project 674820, Sensors Development, in order to prevent stop works. The increase in FY25 from the previous President's Budget is due to the addition of Ultra in the I&TS BPAC and the transfer of ASARS-2C funding into the Sensors Development BPAC.
- Service Agency Name
- Air Force
Entities
Organizations
- United States Air Force
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