U.S. Army Finalizes Specifications for Next-Generation Unmanned Aircraft System

Washington: The U.S. Army has finalized the specifications for its Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) after awarding contracts to two teams competing to build the new drone. On May 17, the Army approved an Abbreviated Capabilities Development Document (A-CDD), laying the groundwork for the prototyping development plan, according to Lt. Gen. Karl Gingrich, Army G-8. This decision marks a significant step towards replacing the ageing Shadow UAS, although budget constraints will delay accelerated fielding. 

The Army is investing funds in fiscal year 2025 to acquire prototypes and conduct test flights over the next few years. This phased approach allows for the gradual integration of new capabilities. “The goodness about FTUAS is going to be the plug-and-play things … that you can put on it,” said Lt. Gen. Gingrich. The modular open system architecture (MOSA) of the FTUAS will enable the integration of various payloads, such as network extensions, lethal payloads, electro-optical infrared sensors, and electronic warfare systems. This flexibility means that the FTUAS fielded in FY25 could look different from the one in FY27, yet both would meet the same requirements. 

Competing Designs and Key Characteristics 

The competition for the best air vehicle and sensors is ongoing. Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems have been selected to advance to the flight demonstration phase after the Army narrowed the field last fall. The FTUAS must be runway-independent, support on-the-move command and control, and allow for soldier-led field maintenance. These characteristics will be tested during flight demonstrations, where soldiers will evaluate vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, acoustic signature reduction, and rapid setup features. Modular Open System Architecture verification is also a key part of this phase.

The effort to replace the Textron-made Shadow UAS has been a priority for the Army since 2018. By 2019, the pool of competitors had been narrowed to a few teams, including a Martin UAV-Northrop Grumman team, Textron Systems, L3Harris Technologies, and Arcturus UAV. AeroVironment acquired Arcturus in 2021, and Shield AI purchased Martin UAV in the same year. After extensive evaluations and a final competition in 2021, the Army awarded Aerovironment an $8 million contract in August 2022 to supply the Jump 20 UAS as an interim FTUAS capability for one brigade. The Army aims to equip its first unit with the FTUAS in 2026. 

Field Demonstrations and Future Adjustments 

The upcoming flight demonstrations will allow soldiers to assess the prototypes' real-world performance. These evaluations will focus on the system's vertical takeoff and landing abilities, noise reduction, and quick deployment features. Additionally, the Army will verify the Modular Open System Architecture, ensuring the new UAS can adapt to evolving mission requirements.

The FTUAS represents a significant technological advancement over the Shadow UAS, with its emphasis on modularity and rapid capability insertion. The ability to integrate various payloads and systems quickly is expected to provide a substantial tactical advantage. This flexibility ensures that the FTUAS can be updated and improved continuously, keeping pace with technological advancements and changing battlefield requirements.