Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS)

Abstract

The Future Uncrewed Aircraft System (FUAS) is a critical system in the cross-domain capabilities concept that will employ multi-domain operation (MDO) capabilities at all echelons and allow ground-based forces to project power from land into other domains to defeat highly capable enemies, secure terrain, and consolidate gains. FUAS encompasses an array of capabilities from platoon Soldiers to Division Commanders. The Army Requirements Oversight Council (AROC) approved the FUAS Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) on 6 Mar 2019. The FUAS ICD includes requirements for the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (FTUAS) Program, Launched Effects (LE), and Scalable Control Interface (SCI). Current FTUAS development efforts are based on requirements from the AROC approved Abbreviated Capability Development Document (A-CDD) signed 12 August 2021. Manned, optionally-manned, and uncrewed systems will penetrate defense-in-depth environments by employing LE with teaming and swarming effects to detect, decoy, jam radar and communications, conduct cyber-attack, spoof and jam Global Positioning System (GPS), and kinetic engagement. The Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team (FVL CFT) FUAS line of effort is comprised of multiple components, including the FTUAS and LE. FTUAS replaces the RQ-7Bv2 Shadow systems in the Brigade Combat Teams (BCT) with transformational capabilities. FTUAS provides the BCT commander a runway independent, expeditionary reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) capability through vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and on the move (OTM) command and control. FTUAS enhances survivability in a multi-domain operations (MDO) environment through assured position, navigation, and timing (APNT) solutions; Type-1 encrypted datalinks; and a modular open systems approach (MOSA) that facilitates system upgrades at the pace of technology. FTUAS mitigates operation and support costs through organic sustainment capability. Additionally, FTUAS provides enhanced transportability, rapid deployability, expeditionary maneuver, and mobility for adaptive and agile operations. Based on an A-CDD update scheduled for Army Requirements Oversight Council validation 2QFY24, one FTUAS system consists of 6 air vehicles and payloads, 6 control stations, and ancillary equipment - representing a significantly reduced logistics footprint compared to the Shadow system. The aircraft subsystem includes the airframe, propulsion, avionics, communications, navigation, and software systems; aircraft-specific ground support equipment including power generation, transportation, or command and control equipment; aircraft software. The system also requires engineering, logistics, and programmatic support. Launched Effects (LE) will provide Army formations the ability to retain their asymmetric advantage in reach, protection, and lethality in the execution of Joint All-Domain Operations (JADO). The expanded lethal and non-lethal airborne capabilities of LE will provide more seamless real-time integration of multiple warfighting functions in the execution of joint attack, reconnaissance, and security operations that create multiple dilemmas for the enemy. Current effort based on approved May 2020 A-CDD (updated LE A-CDD pending approval in 2QFY24). The total cost of the LE Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is $80.1 million RDT&E from FY22 to FY24. The remainder of the LE MTA is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. The FTUAS Program will continue to capture funding/reporting on the current program element. The total cost of the FTUAS Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is $137.7 million RDT&E from FY22 to FY25. The remainder of the FTUAS MTA is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. Through FY24, LE shared a Program Element (PE) with FTUAS (0604113A/DH3). Beginning in FY25, LE established its own PE (0604113A/EX8) to capture LE funding and reporting. Justification: Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 RDT&E PE 0604113A Base funding of $97.369 million will be utilized to support LE-Short Range and LE-Medium Range Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) rapid prototyping efforts. Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 FTUAS RDT&E PE 0604113A Base funding of $30.501 million will be utilized for FTUAS SEPM, System Integration, and Test activities.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 0604113A_4_2040_PB_2025
• Change Summary Explanation: FY2025 funding increase from the previous PB to the current PB reflects Middle-Tier Acquisition execution of additional Launched Effects prototyping and updated strategy for Launched Effects requirements documentation.
• Service Agency Name: Army

Entities

Organizations

• United States Army

Tags

Readers

• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Autonomy
• Autonomy - UAVs
• Cyber
• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space