Unmanned Expeditionary Systems
Abstract
Prior to FY 2023, Unmanned Logistics System-Air (ULS-A) was funded in Project 4002 Family of Raid Reconnaissance. The establishment of this new project and realignment of funding more closely align the programmatics of ULS-A to Unmanned Expeditionary Systems mission sets. UES is a Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) Force Design 2030 (FD2030) initiative. FD2030 recognizes the complex, high threat and diverse environments in the INDOPACOM area of operations encountered by Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and Marine Littoral Regiments (MLRs). UES consists of the ULS-A Small (Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System-TRUAS) and the Medium ULS- A resupply vehicle. As system technology advances in future years, UES will also include emerging technologies to include autonomous distribution capabilities for elements across the MAGTF and MLR, enabling more diversified distribution and the sustainment of Marine Corps forces across future operating environments. The TRUAS provides an unmanned organic battlefield logistics capability primarily in distribution of critical supplies in Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) safely within the Surface to Air Missile (SAM) Weapon Engagement Zone (WEZ), where the risk to manned aircraft would deny manned aviation resupply operations. TRUAS will have the capability to carry 120-pound payloads at a distance of 12 kilometers at a cruise speed of 50 knots. TRUAS will complete rapid prototyping in 2Q FY 2023. Integrated Test (IT) (IT includes Developmental Test (DT) and Operational Test (OT)) will complete 2Q FY 2023. Following a production decision planned for 2Q FY2023, a production contract award planned for 2Q FY 2023 allowing the program to reach Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by the end of FY 2023. End User Evaluations will be conducted through the end of FY 2023 to continue the refinement of the TRUAS CONOP. Medium ULS-A is an autonomous UAS prototype that can carry a logistic payload between 300 and 600lbs to a combat radius from 25 to 100 nautical miles (NM). The system will support a logistics distribution mission at the tactical edge for resupplying forward deployed ground forces. The MAGTF and MLR require the flexibility to draw sustainment from anywhere supplies exist. Supplies moved organically through aerial capabilities offer the speed and persistence needed to maintain critical operational tempo. Medium ULS-A, complementing the capabilities of the TRUAS, provides a heavier aerial distribution capability in environments in which the risk to manned aircraft may be too great. Two prototyping contracts awarded in 2Q FY 2023 with prototype deliveries planned for 4Q 2024. Contractor testing scheduled to complete 4Q FY 2024, with Integrated Test (IT) to complete 4Q FY 2026, followed by a Production Decision in 1Q FY2027.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2024
- Source ID
- 2530_0206623M_7_1319_PB_2024
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