Imaging and Targeting Support
Abstract
The purpose is to develop, mature, demonstrate, and rapidly transition next-generation, persistent, wide area surveillance and common imagery reconnaissance sensor capabilities (active and passive systems), including sensor data processing for multiple airborne platforms, as well as sensor products to aid in rapid targeting (geolocation models, sensor-based exploitation tools, sensor networking capabilities). The 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. The initial ULTRA UAS was developed in 2018 and flight-tested in 2019. 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. This 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. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution and future program planning. 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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 674818_0305206F_7_3600_PB_2025
Related Documents
- Root: Airborne Reconnaissance Systems
- Child Accomplishment: Ultra Long-endurance Unmanned Reconnaissance Aircraft (ULTRA)Flight Demonstration
- Child Cost Item: 11a0b64cec6ee662f1e446eb87b8a350