Airborne Reconnaissance Systems

Mission — Airborne Reconnaissance Systems source

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 funds airborne ISR programs to include sensor hardware, data processing, architecture standards, and simulation and training environments. ARS serves as a transition partner for mid-TRL programs to mature and integrate technologies into programs of record. The ARS PE supports multiple types of requirements to mature technologies aligning to the future force design, as well as integrating new capabilities onto existing platforms to fill existing capability gaps. The ARS program invests in modernization of airborne Geospatial (GEOINT) sensor capabilities. ARS develops, matures, demonstrates, and rapidly transitions next- generation, persistent, wide-area surveillance and common imagery reconnaissance sensor capabilities including sensor data processing and sensor products to aid in rapid targeting for multiple airborne platforms. 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, and the US Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Planning and Programming Guidance (IP2G). 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. 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 Imaging & Targeting Support (I&TS) Uncrewed Long-endurance Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft (ULTRA) is an Air Force-led technology and concept development effort to demonstrate an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) that is capable of multiple-day duration flights while maintaining affordability. All efforts for this project transitioned from ARS to PE 0304784F - LE-AISR. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, or 0605898F. In FY 2024 $0.236M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $0.329M is forecast 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. 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.

Mission — Agile ISR source

The Agile ISR BPAC matures, develops, and deploys projects in support of current and future platform agnostic, non-proprietary, autonomous, multi-INT cross cueing ISR solutions based on DAF mission requirements in highly contested environments. This includes, but is not limited to, High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) capability development, Detection Removal and Characterization Operations (DRACO), support and development of AgilePod, and other projects. Portions of the developmental efforts under Agile ISR are classified. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, or 0605898F. In FY 2024 0.000M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 0.000M is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — Sensors Open System Architecture source

The Sensors Open System Architecture (SOSA) project develops open (non-proprietary) hardware standards and associated software interfaces to support the development of embedded air/space/ground systems across a full spectrum of applications, including RADAR, SIGINT, Electronic Warfare (EW), Communications, and Electro-Optical InfraRed (EO/IR). This program develops the standard required to rapidly field open systems. This program will fund development of the SOSA Technical Standard, prototype/demonstrate solutions, integrate with other MOSA standards, conformance testing, verification, training, and the Open Architecture System Integration Laboratory to mature and verify the common hardware/software standards. Similar to the transition to commoditization of computer components (power supply, motherboard, central processing unit, storage, etc.) in the 1980s and 1990s, the SOSA standard enables weapon systems to leverage commercial off the shelf (COTS) hardware for embedded mission computer needs. This saves the non-recurrent-engineering cost for each platform to develop a point-specific computer hardware solution for their application (e.g., ruggedized/flight-qualified computer). SOSA demonstrations are on-going and continuous in the FY, dependent on the systems being evaluated. In October 2024, the SOSA program office that managed this funding transitioned to the Architecture and Systems Engineering (ASE) group, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Wright Patterson AFB. In addition to this PE, the ASE group will continue execution of these related activities under the following PEs: 0605056F / Open Architecture Management (656060 / Standards Management) 0604602F / Armament/Ordnance Development (655361 / Stores/Aircraft Interface) This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, or 0605898F.

Mission — Imaging and Targeting Support source

The purpose of the Imaging and Targeting Support (I&TS) program 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 I&TS program has begun will development of the Uncrewed Long-endurance Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft (ULTRA) prototype to demonstrate and transition this emerging capability. 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 maintaining affordability. 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. ULTRA leverages and builds off the successes and lessons learned of several AFRL, DoD, and other partner funded development efforts, including the Long Endurance Aerial Platform UAS. 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. ULTRA is an affordable ultra-long endurance ISR platform that is responsive to current and future needs. FY24 funding will acquire 4 upgraded platforms and support an OCONUS OA in CENTCOM. Future operational test and evaluation is the next step in developing the ULTRA system. It is a flight demonstration of the ULTRA program, which was previously executed in FY 2024 under the Endurance Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles project. In FY 2026, LE-AISR requirements, to include ULTRA, will be managed within PE 0304784F. The ULTRA effort is not a new start. It is a flight demonstration of the ULTRA program, which was previously executed in FY 2024 under Program 0305205F Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; in FY 2023 and prior years under Program 0604555D8Z Operational Energy Prototyping, and under Section 219 authorities. In FY26, will start execution in PE 304784F. In FY28, FY29 and FY30, this PE will fund Resolute Sentry program. Resolute Sentry will not be a new start as Resolute Sentry will execute PE 64257F in FY26 and FY27. 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 program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, or 0605898F. In FY 2024 0.000M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 0.000M is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — Sensor Development source

The Sensors Develpment project uses non-recurring engineering activities to support the fabrication, integration, and testing of the of the Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar system (ASARS) 2C processing system to vastly improve the Air Force's long range, high altitude ISR radar imagery, detection, and tracking capabilities. The Sensors Development project increases the range and collection capability, interoperability and processing of the Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar Systems through design, development, testing, and fielding efforts. The Sensors Development efforts advance the capability of ASARS for U-2 and classified platform employment. ASARS-2B [front-end] & ASARS-2C [back-end] efforts provide critical advancements and risk reduction in SAR/Moving Target Indication capability to be implemented in the future multi-INT, platform agile capability that Next Generation Sensors will provide. The ASARS effort is a fifth generation, deep-look, high-altitude, ISR radar that is the foundation for the radar component of the Next Generation Sensors [NGS] family of systems as outlined in the AFROC approved ASARS-2C draft Capabilities Development Document [CDD]. ASARS-2B [front-end] is the antenna and receiver exciter replacement. The ASARS-2C [back end] data processing efforts extend the ASARS-2B [front-end] radar capability using open architecture data processing and multi- platform integration. Open architecture improves performance and lowers cost by facilitating and enabling qualified third-party software vendors to incorporate future multi-ISR capability to advance interoperability across joint operations. ASARS increases current capability and addresses National Defense Strategy Key Operational Problems. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, or 0605898F. In FY 2024 $0.236M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $0.329M is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — JTC/SIL MUSE source

The Multiple Unified Simulation Environment (MUSE) is the DoD flight simulation/training system of choice for many Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), RPA, and airborne platforms. MUSE is also known as the Air Force Synthetic Environment for Reconnaissance and Surveillance (AFSERS) in its Air Force training application. The MUSE/AFSERS is a software suite that simulates UAS/RPA (e.g., MQ-9, RQ-4) systems and manned airborne ISR systems, tailored air vehicle & data links, and visualization systems used for payload product outputs-including Full Motion Video (FMV), Fixed Frame Imagery (FFI), Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) data, and Link 16 (J2.2 and J3.5) tracking messages. Outputs are compliant with applicable DoD standards and are continually tested against actual ground data processors to ensure DoD systems interoperability. The Services and Combatant Commanders have a requirement for training with a system that provides a real-time simulation environment containing multiple domain systems that can be integrated with larger force-on-force simulations. The MUSE/AFSERS creates a realistic operational environment supporting military utility assessment, architecture, and employment concept development. Training, Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) refinement, practice Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination (PED) of multi-domain information. Conduct emerging concepts experimentation, optimizing Command, Control, Communications, and Computing (C4) with warfighting exercises and experiments. MUSE/AFSERS is the preferred UAS/RPA simulation system used by US Combatant Commanders and Joint Services to support command and battle staff C4 training. The MUSE/AFSERS also creates a realistic operational environment that supports: an embedded training capability for new UAS/RPA system Program Managers; tools to minimize acquisition and life cycle cost and schedule impacts. MUSE/AFSERS conducts emerging concepts experimentation, future systems exploration, systems integration, and technology insertion; applications for Joint and Service-specific warfighting exercises; and C4 training optimization. MUSE/AFSERS is currently used by all Services and most unified commands simulating MQ-1, MQ-9, RQ-4, MQ-1C, M/RQ-5, RQ-7, national and commercial satellite systems, P-3, E-8 and the U-2 during warfighting exercises. The AFSERS provides National Imagery Transmission Format (NITF) information for simulated data collection systems, supporting PED training. The MUSE is also used as a mission rehearsal tool for current, on-going military combat operations. Most of the MUSE/AFSERS software suite components are also used in multiple airborne platform system training devices. Including the MQ-9 [Medium Altitude Long Endurance Tactical (MALET) JSIL Aircrew Trainer (MJAT)] and RQ-4 [Global Hawk Sensor Operator Part Task Trainer (GHSOPTT)]. The Joint Technology Center/Systems Integration Laboratory (JTC/SIL) is the training center of excellence supporting UAS and RPA programs for the Services. JTC/SIL provides the system engineering, test and integration, interoperability, rapid technology insertion to address MUSE/AFSERS training requirements. The JTC/SIL combines the UAS/RPA knowledge of communications standards (such as STANAGs 4586, 4607, 4545 and 4609) with Hardware in the Loop (HIL) testing, with sensor and aircraft simulation to integrate MUSE/AFSERS with other DoD modeling and simulation (M&S) architectures. For those airborne assets normally not available for training, the JTC/SIL provides surrogate systems and interfaces. The JTC/SIL contributes to the distributed training environments, virtually linking participants from various locations worldwide, and are routinely supported within the MUSE architecture. The JTC/SIL continues to develop leading edge technologies supporting the rapidly evolving UAS/RPA training requirements required to support NDS future fighting force. MUSE project funds may be utilized to cover the GCWG Secretariat, studies and analysis activities, supporting current program planning, 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 program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY24 0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY25 0M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — Data Compression source

The Data Compression project develops, tests, and implements sensor data compression and decompression algorithms and standards for current and emerging space and airborne ISR sensor modalities crewed and uncrewed airborne platforms, associated ground stations, and AF Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS). The primary product of the Data Compression project is the Reduction of Data Using Compression Enhancement (RDUCE) provides efficient and integrated compression of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) sensor data. RDUCE develops, tests, and integrates new sensor data compression software and hardware for current and emerging airborne and space-based ISR sensors. The program develops compression capabilities for manned and unmanned platforms, associated ground stations, and the Distributed Common Ground Systems (DCGS). RDUCE data products meet standard certification for use within the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community (IC) Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Measurement and Signatures Intelligence (MASINT) collection disciplines. RDUCE compression also allows for maximizing the use of limited bandwidth and delivering more data, faster to the tactical user in the field. RDUCE activities include continuous studies, analysis, and updates to support program planning and execution. RDUCE also seeks to acquire certification of its data compression solutions which includes acceptance into the DoD Information Technology Standards Registry (DISR). By ensuring compliance with appropriate standards governing bodies, RDUCE is always ready to satisfy new operational requirements. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, or 0605898F. In FY 2024 $0.000M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $0.000M is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (10)