Printed from https://fiscalreceipts.com/program/0602183A/ — built September 26, 2026. Every figure is citation-backed; see the page online for per-number provenance.
Air Platform Applied Research
Budget figures
FY2026 award data is a partial year — USAspending reports awards on a rolling basis, and this corpus runs through 2026-09-04. why partial FY2026 data? →
Budget trajectory
| Fiscal year | Amount |
|---|---|
| FY24 | $53.6M |
| FY25 | $48.9M |
| FY26 | $53.3M |
All series figures: R-1 TOA · PB2026
Decade view
P-1/R-1 workbook TOA basis, shown compact in $B/$M (the workbook records USD thousands); each figure cites its own President's Budget edition
The vertical scale does not start at zero: the baseline sits just below this program’s smallest year, so a low point on this line is not a small amount. Read the shape for direction and the grid below for the figures.
● actuals (line) · ○ enacted · ◇ request — gaps are editions the program is absent from, never interpolated.
| Series | FY20 | FY21 | FY22 | FY23 | FY24 | FY25 | FY26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuals | $0 | $0 | $6.36M | $40.4M | $53.6M | ||
| Enacted | – | $0 | $6.60M | $41.6M | $48.2M | $48.9M | |
| Request | – | – | $6.60M | $41.6M | $48.2M | $53.2M | $53.3M |
blank = series not published for this year; – = absent from that edition.
Asked vs spent: the PB2024 book requested $48.2M for FY2024; the PB2026 book reported $53.6M as actual total obligation authority — $5.45M above the request. 53.6 − 48.2 = 5.4 USD millions — the compact figures above are rounded for reading.
Program lineage
No predecessor/successor lineage was recorded for this program element — no FY-to-FY transfer into or out of this line was stated in the ingested J-books, and none was inferred from the program structure.
Description
Mission — Air Platform Applied Research
This Program Element (PE) undertakes applied research efforts that support and enable the overall Army Aviation portfolio in general, and the Army's modernization priority for future vertical lift (FVL). Vital and enduring applied research is conducted in the air portfolio that supports mid-to-long term requirements in contested operational environments and technologies that have broad application to FVL modernization, as well as overall Army and specific Department of Defense (DoD) aviation needs. Research in this PE contributes to the Army Science and Technology (S&T) air systems portfolio and is fully coordinated with efforts in PE 0602148A (Future Vertical Lift Technology), PE 0603465A (Future Vertical Lift Advanced Technology) and PE 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering S&T focus areas and the Army Modernization Strategy. The FY 2026 request was reduced by $0.592 million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative." The FY 2026 request was reduced by $0.264 million for civilian personnel to optimize the workforce in compliance with Executive Order 14210, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative."
Mission — Air Platform Enabling University Applied Research
This Project focuses on applied research originating from extramural applied research in academia pertaining to navigation/routing, autonomous robotic vehicles, artificial intelligence and machine learning as applied to aerial mobility and maneuver, holistic survivability, teaming, integrated mission systems, air-launched effects, and other innovative air enabling applied research technologies that will accelerate the Army modernization in next generation aerial vehicles. This Project will perform discovery research efforts to focus more on mid to far-term Army modernization priorities while also maintaining delivery of near-term technologies fundamental to the modernization priorities. This Project conducts applied research and development leading to all the potential emerging technologies in areas of strategic importance to Army Aviation in artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML), autonomous teaming systems, survivability, aeromechanics, advanced vertical take-off and landing(VTOL) design & concepts, flight dynamics, vibration & noise control, propulsion, human factor engineering and structures & materials, etc., by bringing competitively selected Universities with research and development teams into Technical Alliances. The Project will also continuously experiment with methods to identify, demonstrate and transition novel technology from entities that might not otherwise collaborate with the Department of Defense (DoD), with the end goal of accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge applied research technology for the warfighter in the Army aviation portfolio. Work in this Project complements Program Element (PE) 0602148A (Future Vertical Lift Technology), PE 0603465A (Future Vertical Lift Advanced Technology Development), PE 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology) and PE 0602144A (Ground Technology). The work cited is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by the Army Research Laboratory (ARL).
Mission — Aviation Teaming Autonomy Concepts & Technologies
This Project establishes multi-level simulations, physics-based models, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms and methods to inform and advance capabilities for heterogeneous advanced teaming concepts to support operations in complex and peer contested environments. This Project focuses on advancing innovations to enable concepts and technology for deep sensing and effects, complex mobility and maneuver for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) (and small UAS), and adaptive behaviors to optimize formation performance. Innovative solutions, knowledge, and understanding generated from this effort informs Program Element (PE) 0602148A Future Vertical Lift Technology / Project AK9 (Adv Teaming for Tactical Aviation Operations Tech). Work in this Project is fully coordinated with PE 0602148A (Future Vertical Lift Technology) and PE 0603465A (Future Vertical Lift Advanced Technology Development) / Project AL1 (Adv Teaming for Tactical Aviation Oper Adv Tech). The cited work is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Science and Technology focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Army Research Laboratory (ARL).
Mission — Disruptive Countermeasure Concepts for Aviation
This Project investigates advanced technologies to reduce Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platform susceptibility and vulnerability to damage from guided and unguided threats, as well as technologies to defeat small arms, rocket, and missile threats. This Project performs research and develops innovative detect and defeat technologies against next -generation threats to the FVL. Areas of research include new laser materials and designs for in-band, low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) precision laser soft-kill countermeasures operating in the mid- and long-wave infrared, lethality effects of ultrashort pulsed lasers, and sensitive radio frequency (SeRF) detection modality for use as aircraft survivability equipment (ASE). In addition, this Project will also perform research and development on the use of remotely-deployed, passive multi-modal sensors to localize threat ground vehicles and discriminate decoys. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0602146A (Network C3I Technology) / Project AN7 (COE - Every Receiver is a Sensor Technology), PE 0602148A (Future Vertical Lift Technology) / Project CH3 (Holistic Team Survivability Technology), PE 0603463A (Network C3I Advanced Technology) / Project AN8 (COE - Every Receiver is a Sensor Advanced Tech), and PE 0603465A (Future Vertical Lift Advanced Technology) / Project AL1 (Adv Teaming for Tactical Aviation Oper Adv Tech). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Science and Technology focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Army Research Laboratory (ARL).
Mission — Air Platform Applied Research (CA)
Congressional Interest Item funding provided for Air Platform Applied Research The cited work is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy.
Mission — Control & Autonomy for Tactical Superiority Tech
This Project will develop and flight-validate new approaches and tools applicable to advanced high-speed configurations being considered for Future Vertical Lift (FVL) and transition to industry to ensure that FVL aircraft meet Army requirements. Work in this Project may also address and be applied to the needs of other Army and specific Department of Defense (DoD) aviation systems. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology) / Project CV1 (Control & Autonomy for Tactical Superiority Adv). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Mission — Structures Tech for Enduring Efficient Resilience
This Project will ensure critical structures technologies providing improved weight efficiency, fatigue tolerance, parasitic weight avoidance, and integration / synergy opportunities will transition to Advanced Technology Development tasks to later provide Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Project Management Offices and Original Equipment Manufacturers mission performance benefit in terms of range/payload, survivability, sustainment, and operational availability. Research in this Project may also address and be applied to the needs of other Army and specific DoD aviation systems. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology) / Project CV2 (Structures Platform Int Resilience & Efficiency). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Mission — Systems Design Technology
This Project will leverage large datasets and advances in multi-disciplinary optimization techniques, incorporate higher fidelity analysis, and machine learning techniques to improve predictions of emerging aviation requirements and system complexity. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Mission — Advanced Rotors Applied Technology
This Project investigates Future Vertical Lift (FVL) and other Army and Department of Defense (DoD) aviation systems technologies that mature high speed and highly efficient rotor and hub system designs. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with PE 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology) / Project CX1 (Advanced Rotors Advanced Tech). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Mission — Air Vehicle Structures and Dynamics Tech
This Project develops modeling tools, methodologies, and experimental platforms needed to research aircraft including small uncrewed systems, traditional crewed Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platforms, and Launched Effects (LE). Research in this project focuses on low noise and aero elastically stable rotor technologies, reconfigurable and multi-mission aircraft, simulation, and advanced flight controls. This research enables high speed flight, longer range and endurance, increased maneuverability, and lower noise signatures from handheld to full-scale crewed platforms. Research in this project is also applicable to the family of FVL manned and unmanned platforms. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0603465A (Future Vertical Lift Advanced Technology Development). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Science and Technology focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Research in this Project is performed by Army Research Laboratory (ARL).
Mission — Experimental and Computational Aeromechanics Tech
This Project investigates new high fidelity computational methods to simulate aerodynamic effects and test methods of emerging rotorcraft lift technologies that could be incorporated into Future Vertical Lift (FVL) designs and other Army and Department of Defense (DoD) aviation systems. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with PE 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Mission — Future UAS Propulsion Technology
This Project designs and assesses advanced engine and power system component technologies to support the goals of multi-fuel capability, reduced fuel consumption, and reduced engine size, weight, and cost in current and Future Unmanned Aircraft Systems (FUAS). Work in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0602148A (Future Vertical Lift Technology) / Project CH4 (Power & Thermal Management for FVL Tech). The cited work is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Science and Technology focus areas and the Army Modernization Strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Army Research Laboratory (ARL).
Mission — High Speed and Efficient VTOL Vehicle Tech
This Project designs and develops material component technologies and dynamic models to enable future generation capabilities for Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platforms. This Project is focused on improving range, payload, and endurance performance as well as reliability and maintainability metrics. The outcomes from the efforts within this Project will be applicable to the Family of Future Vertical Lift manned and unmanned platforms. Work in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0602183A (Air Platform Applied Research) / Project CW8 (Next Generation Aviation Transmission Apl Tech). The cited work is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Science and Technology focus areas and the Army Modernization Strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Army Research Laboratory (ARL).
Mission — Next Generation Aviation Transmission Apl Tech
This Project investigates Future Vertical Lift (FVL) and other Army and Department of Defense (DoD) advanced drive train technologies that increase performance and double current drivetrain life cycles while improving their reliability and maintainability. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with PE 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army Modernization Strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Mission — High Performance Computing for Rotorcraft Apl Tech
This Project investigates and validates aeromechanics modeling and simulation tools for Future Vertical Lift (FVL) and other Army and DoD aviation systems and platforms. Research efforts in this Project are also applicable to the family of FVL manned and unmanned platforms. Work in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology) / Project DC3 (HPC for Army Aviation Concepts). The cited work is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Mission — Airborne Threat Defeat
Airborne Threat Defeat addresses the need to engage and disorient guided threats. Work in this Project complements Program Element (PE) 0603465A (Future Vertical Lift Advanced Technology) / Project CA8 (Adv Rotocraft Armaments Protection Sys). The cited work is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by the Armaments Center (AC).
Mission — Air Vehicle Integrated & Alternative Tech (AVIATe)
This project enhances Army aviation mission capability and addresses operational energy and environmental challenges. Includes the development, maturation, and system design of technologies including advanced engines, hybrid and electric systems, power and control allocation, propulsive power delivery, electric actuation, structures, and other technologies that enhance performance, efficiency or are critical to implementation. Work in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology) / Project DK2 (Air Vehicle Improvements & Advanced Tech (AVIATe)). The cited work is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by the Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Mission — Air Platform Applied Research
This Program Element (PE) undertakes applied research efforts that support and enable the overall Army Aviation portfolio in general, and the Army's modernization priority for future vertical lift (FVL). Vital and enduring applied research is conducted in the air portfolio that supports mid-to-long term requirements in contested operational environments and technologies that have broad application to FVL modernization, as well as overall Army and specific Department of Defense (DoD) aviation needs. Research in this PE contributes to the Army Science and Technology (S&T) air systems portfolio and is fully coordinated with efforts in PE 0602148A (Future Vertical Lift Technology), PE 0603465A (Future Vertical Lift Advanced Technology) and PE 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering S&T focus areas and the Army Modernization Strategy. The FY 2026 request was reduced by $0.592 million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative." The FY 2026 request was reduced by $0.264 million for civilian personnel to optimize the workforce in compliance with Executive Order 14210, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative."
Mission — Air Platform Enabling University Applied Research
This Project focuses on applied research originating from extramural applied research in academia pertaining to navigation/routing, autonomous robotic vehicles, artificial intelligence and machine learning as applied to aerial mobility and maneuver, holistic survivability, teaming, integrated mission systems, air-launched effects, and other innovative air enabling applied research technologies that will accelerate the Army modernization in next generation aerial vehicles. This Project will perform discovery research efforts to focus more on mid to far-term Army modernization priorities while also maintaining delivery of near-term technologies fundamental to the modernization priorities. This Project conducts applied research and development leading to all the potential emerging technologies in areas of strategic importance to Army Aviation in artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML), autonomous teaming systems, survivability, aeromechanics, advanced vertical take-off and landing(VTOL) design & concepts, flight dynamics, vibration & noise control, propulsion, human factor engineering and structures & materials, etc., by bringing competitively selected Universities with research and development teams into Technical Alliances. The Project will also continuously experiment with methods to identify, demonstrate and transition novel technology from entities that might not otherwise collaborate with the Department of Defense (DoD), with the end goal of accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge applied research technology for the warfighter in the Army aviation portfolio. Work in this Project complements Program Element (PE) 0602148A (Future Vertical Lift Technology), PE 0603465A (Future Vertical Lift Advanced Technology Development), PE 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology) and PE 0602144A (Ground Technology). The work cited is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by the Army Research Laboratory (ARL).
Mission — Aviation Teaming Autonomy Concepts & Technologies
This Project establishes multi-level simulations, physics-based models, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms and methods to inform and advance capabilities for heterogeneous advanced teaming concepts to support operations in complex and peer contested environments. This Project focuses on advancing innovations to enable concepts and technology for deep sensing and effects, complex mobility and maneuver for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) (and small UAS), and adaptive behaviors to optimize formation performance. Innovative solutions, knowledge, and understanding generated from this effort informs Program Element (PE) 0602148A Future Vertical Lift Technology / Project AK9 (Adv Teaming for Tactical Aviation Operations Tech). Work in this Project is fully coordinated with PE 0602148A (Future Vertical Lift Technology) and PE 0603465A (Future Vertical Lift Advanced Technology Development) / Project AL1 (Adv Teaming for Tactical Aviation Oper Adv Tech). The cited work is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Science and Technology focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Army Research Laboratory (ARL).
Mission — Disruptive Countermeasure Concepts for Aviation
This Project investigates advanced technologies to reduce Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platform susceptibility and vulnerability to damage from guided and unguided threats, as well as technologies to defeat small arms, rocket, and missile threats. This Project performs research and develops innovative detect and defeat technologies against next -generation threats to the FVL. Areas of research include new laser materials and designs for in-band, low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) precision laser soft-kill countermeasures operating in the mid- and long-wave infrared, lethality effects of ultrashort pulsed lasers, and sensitive radio frequency (SeRF) detection modality for use as aircraft survivability equipment (ASE). In addition, this Project will also perform research and development on the use of remotely-deployed, passive multi-modal sensors to localize threat ground vehicles and discriminate decoys. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0602146A (Network C3I Technology) / Project AN7 (COE - Every Receiver is a Sensor Technology), PE 0602148A (Future Vertical Lift Technology) / Project CH3 (Holistic Team Survivability Technology), PE 0603463A (Network C3I Advanced Technology) / Project AN8 (COE - Every Receiver is a Sensor Advanced Tech), and PE 0603465A (Future Vertical Lift Advanced Technology) / Project AL1 (Adv Teaming for Tactical Aviation Oper Adv Tech). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Science and Technology focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Army Research Laboratory (ARL).
Mission — Air Platform Applied Research (CA)
Congressional Interest Item funding provided for Air Platform Applied Research The cited work is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy.
Mission — Control & Autonomy for Tactical Superiority Tech
This Project will develop and flight-validate new approaches and tools applicable to advanced high-speed configurations being considered for Future Vertical Lift (FVL) and transition to industry to ensure that FVL aircraft meet Army requirements. Work in this Project may also address and be applied to the needs of other Army and specific Department of Defense (DoD) aviation systems. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology) / Project CV1 (Control & Autonomy for Tactical Superiority Adv). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Mission — Structures Tech for Enduring Efficient Resilience
This Project will ensure critical structures technologies providing improved weight efficiency, fatigue tolerance, parasitic weight avoidance, and integration / synergy opportunities will transition to Advanced Technology Development tasks to later provide Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Project Management Offices and Original Equipment Manufacturers mission performance benefit in terms of range/payload, survivability, sustainment, and operational availability. Research in this Project may also address and be applied to the needs of other Army and specific DoD aviation systems. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology) / Project CV2 (Structures Platform Int Resilience & Efficiency). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Mission — Systems Design Technology
This Project will leverage large datasets and advances in multi-disciplinary optimization techniques, incorporate higher fidelity analysis, and machine learning techniques to improve predictions of emerging aviation requirements and system complexity. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Mission — Advanced Rotors Applied Technology
This Project investigates Future Vertical Lift (FVL) and other Army and Department of Defense (DoD) aviation systems technologies that mature high speed and highly efficient rotor and hub system designs. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with PE 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology) / Project CX1 (Advanced Rotors Advanced Tech). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Mission — Air Vehicle Structures and Dynamics Tech
This Project develops modeling tools, methodologies, and experimental platforms needed to research aircraft including small uncrewed systems, traditional crewed Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platforms, and Launched Effects (LE). Research in this project focuses on low noise and aero elastically stable rotor technologies, reconfigurable and multi-mission aircraft, simulation, and advanced flight controls. This research enables high speed flight, longer range and endurance, increased maneuverability, and lower noise signatures from handheld to full-scale crewed platforms. Research in this project is also applicable to the family of FVL manned and unmanned platforms. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0603465A (Future Vertical Lift Advanced Technology Development). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Science and Technology focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Research in this Project is performed by Army Research Laboratory (ARL).
Mission — Experimental and Computational Aeromechanics Tech
This Project investigates new high fidelity computational methods to simulate aerodynamic effects and test methods of emerging rotorcraft lift technologies that could be incorporated into Future Vertical Lift (FVL) designs and other Army and Department of Defense (DoD) aviation systems. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with PE 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Mission — Future UAS Propulsion Technology
This Project designs and assesses advanced engine and power system component technologies to support the goals of multi-fuel capability, reduced fuel consumption, and reduced engine size, weight, and cost in current and Future Unmanned Aircraft Systems (FUAS). Work in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0602148A (Future Vertical Lift Technology) / Project CH4 (Power & Thermal Management for FVL Tech). The cited work is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Science and Technology focus areas and the Army Modernization Strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Army Research Laboratory (ARL).
Mission — High Speed and Efficient VTOL Vehicle Tech
This Project designs and develops material component technologies and dynamic models to enable future generation capabilities for Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platforms. This Project is focused on improving range, payload, and endurance performance as well as reliability and maintainability metrics. The outcomes from the efforts within this Project will be applicable to the Family of Future Vertical Lift manned and unmanned platforms. Work in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0602183A (Air Platform Applied Research) / Project CW8 (Next Generation Aviation Transmission Apl Tech). The cited work is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Science and Technology focus areas and the Army Modernization Strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Army Research Laboratory (ARL).
Mission — Next Generation Aviation Transmission Apl Tech
This Project investigates Future Vertical Lift (FVL) and other Army and Department of Defense (DoD) advanced drive train technologies that increase performance and double current drivetrain life cycles while improving their reliability and maintainability. Research in this Project is fully coordinated with PE 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology). The cited research is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army Modernization Strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Mission — High Performance Computing for Rotorcraft Apl Tech
This Project investigates and validates aeromechanics modeling and simulation tools for Future Vertical Lift (FVL) and other Army and DoD aviation systems and platforms. Research efforts in this Project are also applicable to the family of FVL manned and unmanned platforms. Work in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology) / Project DC3 (HPC for Army Aviation Concepts). The cited work is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Mission — Airborne Threat Defeat
Airborne Threat Defeat addresses the need to engage and disorient guided threats. Work in this Project complements Program Element (PE) 0603465A (Future Vertical Lift Advanced Technology) / Project CA8 (Adv Rotocraft Armaments Protection Sys). The cited work is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by the Armaments Center (AC).
Mission — Air Vehicle Integrated & Alternative Tech (AVIATe)
This project enhances Army aviation mission capability and addresses operational energy and environmental challenges. Includes the development, maturation, and system design of technologies including advanced engines, hybrid and electric systems, power and control allocation, propulsive power delivery, electric actuation, structures, and other technologies that enhance performance, efficiency or are critical to implementation. Work in this Project is fully coordinated with Program Element (PE) 0603043A (Air Platform Advanced Technology) / Project DK2 (Air Vehicle Improvements & Advanced Tech (AVIATe)). The cited work is consistent with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army modernization strategy. Work in this Project is performed by the Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC).
Justification
Accomplishments & Planned Programs (56)
Vertical Lift Applied Research
Conduct applied research in academia to elevate Vertical Lift research and continue to investigate promising and emerging technologies
Intelligent Unmanned Aerial System Teaming Technologies
Enables the establishment of component technologies to support resilient, multi-modal, survivable Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) teams that can plan and act on time-scales beyond human capability and have a robust shared understanding of contested and dynamic environments to support effective tactical engagement. Specific topics include 1) novel artificial-intelligence algorithms and methods for adaptive team composition and control, 2) increased team knowledge base and understanding of local and global world models, 3) hierarchical, composable, and adaptive learning methods for increased mission resilience, and 4) understanding interaction and scalability between, amongst, and across heterogeneous team members and the environment.
Cognitive Countermeasures Technology Development
This effort investigates and matures novel materials, components, and techniques to counter legacy and emerging threats to FVL platforms. Emphasis will be placed on technologies and approaches to enable a robust, holistic countermeasure capability for target defeat, regardless of threat characteristics or guidance mode.
Deep Autonomous Sensing
This effort investigates the ability to localize and recognize the formation of threat ground vehicles deep in the battlefield in support of the FVL platform. Emphasis will be placed on developing novel, passive multi-modal sensors on aerial, ground, and re-locatable platforms to enable high fidelity, low false alarm target recognition and counter concealment and camouflage with decoy discrimination.
Advanced Power Sensing and Processing (APSP) for Improved Energy Awareness, Measurements and Validation
This effort will develop the Mobile Unattended Ground Sensor system, relevant hardware, and data processing software to provide analysis and assessment of electric power systems.
Adaptive Tactical Autonomy and Control (ATAC) Tech
Develop advanced vehicle management, flight control, and autonomy technologies that enable FVL aircraft to achieve superior maneuverability and agility at all speeds, effectively exploit extreme/degraded environmental conditions as a force multiplier, fight and win in presence of failure or damage, and operate on a cognitive-loading-spectrum from piloted to fully autonomous.
Perception Enhanced Autonomous Control (PEAC)
Develop autonomous systems that maintain real time representation of flight environment and use AI- and ML-based perception to "understand" the environment, detect and identify threats, and take action based on aircraft state to enhance survivability.
Autonomy for Combat Environment Sustainment (ACES)
Develop an autonomy framework that leverages, integrates, and matures autonomous technologies and capabilities from across the enterprise and is adaptable to both optionally piloted requirements of FVL and enduring fleet autonomy applications for combat environment sustainment.
Multifunctional Advanced Structural Concepts (MASC)
Develop innovative, critical, highly weight-optimized, durable, fatigue-resistant, damage-tolerant structural concepts exploiting multifunctionality for weight savings and broad multi-scale FVL benefit impact.
Structural Concepts Advancing Mission Performance (SCAMP)
Development of technologies for affordable aviation structural design and fabrication. Innovative processes to use advanced composite architectures, material processing, manufacturing, curing, and assembly will be researched and matured. Computational modeling and simulation tools will be developed to more accurately predict critical load cases such as fatigue damage and aeroelastic stability to ensure structures are mass efficient. Multifunctional structures will be developed that investigate integration of structure with other vehicle subsystems to improve vehicle weight efficiency or provide added capability.
Concept Design and Optimization Methods
Expand scope of design and assessment support across Future Vertical Lift (FVL) lines of effort (LOEs) and the science and technology portfolio. Incorporate method enhancements to improve timeliness, accuracy, and detail of conceptual design (performance, weight, and cost).
Aerodynamics, structural dynamics & flight control simulations of Advanced Configurations
Collaborate among Industry and Academia design studies to support FVL requirements trades and S&T planning and include advanced design method development to increase breadth and depth of analysis.
Advanced measurements & diagnostic techniques for high-quality validation data
Deliver new experimental techniques developed to collect highly accurate, repeatable and reliable experimental data necessary to validate high-fidelity simulation models.
Development of control laws, handling qualities, and flying qualities for emerging configurations
Deliver new comprehensive analysis of emerging configurations for handling qualities to inform future requirements and military standards.
Advanced Hubs Tech
Investigate advanced rotor system and hub technologies to support goals of increased speed and lift by developing configurations and technologies that reduce drag and enable more efficient rotor system performance.
Innovative Rotor Blade Manufacturing Processes
Develop more automated processes such as automated fiber placement, additive manufacturing, lower cost and fabrication time.
Air Vehicle Structures and Dynamics Technologies
Establish improved experimentally validated modeling tools and methodologies that can be used to understand the physics of aeroelastic stability and design in next generation rotorcraft platform configurations for FVL platforms. This involves the development of an experimental capability, the Tiltrotor Aeroelastic Stability Test (TRAST), which will be used to generate novel experimental data. This data will be used to increase fundamental understanding of the whirl flutter instability, which currently limits the high speed performance of tiltrotor rotorcraft. This effort will inform FVL requirement definition and technology maturation. This effort also establishes low noise rotor concepts and investigates the intersection of artificial intelligence and classical mechanics to enable novel mechanics and new approaches in structural dynamics for FVL applications to enable higher Operating Tempo (OPTEMPO) operations.
Adaptive Structures and Control for Precise Complex Effects
This effort focuses on the understanding of novel uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) which push past the current fixed-wing and quad-rotor state-of-the-art technologies. This effort leverages machine learning-based techniques for operations in complex environments, potential benefits of active and passive reflexive structures, and optimization of morphing techniques from a fundamental perspective and with engineering constraints. Research will focus on multi-role, multi-payload, and multi-capability UAS, with a focus on smaller platforms. Efforts include the development of design and simulation tools and component and flight assessments. This effort will inform UAS programs across the Army enterprise.
Experimental Aeromechanics
Develop and explore new methods to simulate aerodynamic effects for aircraft and other future FVL configurations.
Computational Aeromechanics
Verify, validate and apply high-fidelity modeling and simulation software tools for rotorcraft aeromechanics.
Multi-Fuel Capable Hybrid Electric Propulsion
Applied research to enable intelligent and robust propulsion performance and noise signature reduction via multi-fuel and optimized hybrid electric capability for small engines (20kW to 150kW) powering future aircraft systems. The research focuses on the establishment of concepts to enable reduced fuel consumption, engine size, weight, and cost as well as improved group three and four FUAS reliability, survivability, and maintainability.
High Speed Efficient Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL )Vehicle Technologies
This effort establishes propulsion concepts for vertical take-off and landing to enable improved, efficient hover and high-speed cruise at longer range without added weight.
High Reduction Ratio Transmission (HRT) Components
Effort investigates advanced materials and component designs that allow a 60:1 reduction ratio two-stage gearbox design that provides significant weight and volume reduction for extended range and component life for manned and unmanned applications.
High Performance Computing for Aviation Applications
Develop automated, high-fidelity computational tools for rotorcraft analysis and design.
Airborne Threat Defeat Tech
This effort develops novel weapon, munition and fire control system technology required to increase standoff distance and engagement time to decoy or defeat guided threats.
Holistic Airborne Defeat Applied Research
This effort develops novel weapon, munition and fire control system technology required to increase standoff distance and engagement time to decoy or defeat guided threats.
Hybrid-Electric Aviation Technology (HEAT)
This effort focuses on building a knowledge base within Army aviation to assess the viability of meeting future rotorcraft motive and mission equipment power needs through design, architecture, system alternatives and technology trade studies, investigating and developing hybrid-electric component and sub-system technologies. Emphasis is on knowledge building, analytical tools, performance improvement, and to address Army unique technology gaps.
Supplemental Power Efficient Engines and Drives (SPEED)
This effort develops supplemental power, engine, and drives systems component technologies to improve power-to-weight ratio, efficiency, and provide improved mission capability for Army aircraft systems. Technology will be validated through component level test.
Vertical Lift Applied Research
Conduct applied research in academia to elevate Vertical Lift research and continue to investigate promising and emerging technologies
Intelligent Unmanned Aerial System Teaming Technologies
Enables the establishment of component technologies to support resilient, multi-modal, survivable Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) teams that can plan and act on time-scales beyond human capability and have a robust shared understanding of contested and dynamic environments to support effective tactical engagement. Specific topics include 1) novel artificial-intelligence algorithms and methods for adaptive team composition and control, 2) increased team knowledge base and understanding of local and global world models, 3) hierarchical, composable, and adaptive learning methods for increased mission resilience, and 4) understanding interaction and scalability between, amongst, and across heterogeneous team members and the environment.
Cognitive Countermeasures Technology Development
This effort investigates and matures novel materials, components, and techniques to counter legacy and emerging threats to FVL platforms. Emphasis will be placed on technologies and approaches to enable a robust, holistic countermeasure capability for target defeat, regardless of threat characteristics or guidance mode.
Deep Autonomous Sensing
This effort investigates the ability to localize and recognize the formation of threat ground vehicles deep in the battlefield in support of the FVL platform. Emphasis will be placed on developing novel, passive multi-modal sensors on aerial, ground, and re-locatable platforms to enable high fidelity, low false alarm target recognition and counter concealment and camouflage with decoy discrimination.
Advanced Power Sensing and Processing (APSP) for Improved Energy Awareness, Measurements and Validation
This effort will develop the Mobile Unattended Ground Sensor system, relevant hardware, and data processing software to provide analysis and assessment of electric power systems.
Adaptive Tactical Autonomy and Control (ATAC) Tech
Develop advanced vehicle management, flight control, and autonomy technologies that enable FVL aircraft to achieve superior maneuverability and agility at all speeds, effectively exploit extreme/degraded environmental conditions as a force multiplier, fight and win in presence of failure or damage, and operate on a cognitive-loading-spectrum from piloted to fully autonomous.
Perception Enhanced Autonomous Control (PEAC)
Develop autonomous systems that maintain real time representation of flight environment and use AI- and ML-based perception to "understand" the environment, detect and identify threats, and take action based on aircraft state to enhance survivability.
Autonomy for Combat Environment Sustainment (ACES)
Develop an autonomy framework that leverages, integrates, and matures autonomous technologies and capabilities from across the enterprise and is adaptable to both optionally piloted requirements of FVL and enduring fleet autonomy applications for combat environment sustainment.
Multifunctional Advanced Structural Concepts (MASC)
Develop innovative, critical, highly weight-optimized, durable, fatigue-resistant, damage-tolerant structural concepts exploiting multifunctionality for weight savings and broad multi-scale FVL benefit impact.
Structural Concepts Advancing Mission Performance (SCAMP)
Development of technologies for affordable aviation structural design and fabrication. Innovative processes to use advanced composite architectures, material processing, manufacturing, curing, and assembly will be researched and matured. Computational modeling and simulation tools will be developed to more accurately predict critical load cases such as fatigue damage and aeroelastic stability to ensure structures are mass efficient. Multifunctional structures will be developed that investigate integration of structure with other vehicle subsystems to improve vehicle weight efficiency or provide added capability.
Concept Design and Optimization Methods
Expand scope of design and assessment support across Future Vertical Lift (FVL) lines of effort (LOEs) and the science and technology portfolio. Incorporate method enhancements to improve timeliness, accuracy, and detail of conceptual design (performance, weight, and cost).
Aerodynamics, structural dynamics & flight control simulations of Advanced Configurations
Collaborate among Industry and Academia design studies to support FVL requirements trades and S&T planning and include advanced design method development to increase breadth and depth of analysis.
Advanced measurements & diagnostic techniques for high-quality validation data
Deliver new experimental techniques developed to collect highly accurate, repeatable and reliable experimental data necessary to validate high-fidelity simulation models.
Development of control laws, handling qualities, and flying qualities for emerging configurations
Deliver new comprehensive analysis of emerging configurations for handling qualities to inform future requirements and military standards.
Advanced Hubs Tech
Investigate advanced rotor system and hub technologies to support goals of increased speed and lift by developing configurations and technologies that reduce drag and enable more efficient rotor system performance.
Innovative Rotor Blade Manufacturing Processes
Develop more automated processes such as automated fiber placement, additive manufacturing, lower cost and fabrication time.
Air Vehicle Structures and Dynamics Technologies
Establish improved experimentally validated modeling tools and methodologies that can be used to understand the physics of aeroelastic stability and design in next generation rotorcraft platform configurations for FVL platforms. This involves the development of an experimental capability, the Tiltrotor Aeroelastic Stability Test (TRAST), which will be used to generate novel experimental data. This data will be used to increase fundamental understanding of the whirl flutter instability, which currently limits the high speed performance of tiltrotor rotorcraft. This effort will inform FVL requirement definition and technology maturation. This effort also establishes low noise rotor concepts and investigates the intersection of artificial intelligence and classical mechanics to enable novel mechanics and new approaches in structural dynamics for FVL applications to enable higher Operating Tempo (OPTEMPO) operations.
Adaptive Structures and Control for Precise Complex Effects
This effort focuses on the understanding of novel uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) which push past the current fixed-wing and quad-rotor state-of-the-art technologies. This effort leverages machine learning-based techniques for operations in complex environments, potential benefits of active and passive reflexive structures, and optimization of morphing techniques from a fundamental perspective and with engineering constraints. Research will focus on multi-role, multi-payload, and multi-capability UAS, with a focus on smaller platforms. Efforts include the development of design and simulation tools and component and flight assessments. This effort will inform UAS programs across the Army enterprise.
Experimental Aeromechanics
Develop and explore new methods to simulate aerodynamic effects for aircraft and other future FVL configurations.
Computational Aeromechanics
Verify, validate and apply high-fidelity modeling and simulation software tools for rotorcraft aeromechanics.
Multi-Fuel Capable Hybrid Electric Propulsion
Applied research to enable intelligent and robust propulsion performance and noise signature reduction via multi-fuel and optimized hybrid electric capability for small engines (20kW to 150kW) powering future aircraft systems. The research focuses on the establishment of concepts to enable reduced fuel consumption, engine size, weight, and cost as well as improved group three and four FUAS reliability, survivability, and maintainability.
High Speed Efficient Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL )Vehicle Technologies
This effort establishes propulsion concepts for vertical take-off and landing to enable improved, efficient hover and high-speed cruise at longer range without added weight.
High Reduction Ratio Transmission (HRT) Components
Effort investigates advanced materials and component designs that allow a 60:1 reduction ratio two-stage gearbox design that provides significant weight and volume reduction for extended range and component life for manned and unmanned applications.
High Performance Computing for Aviation Applications
Develop automated, high-fidelity computational tools for rotorcraft analysis and design.
Airborne Threat Defeat Tech
This effort develops novel weapon, munition and fire control system technology required to increase standoff distance and engagement time to decoy or defeat guided threats.
Holistic Airborne Defeat Applied Research
This effort develops novel weapon, munition and fire control system technology required to increase standoff distance and engagement time to decoy or defeat guided threats.
Hybrid-Electric Aviation Technology (HEAT)
This effort focuses on building a knowledge base within Army aviation to assess the viability of meeting future rotorcraft motive and mission equipment power needs through design, architecture, system alternatives and technology trade studies, investigating and developing hybrid-electric component and sub-system technologies. Emphasis is on knowledge building, analytical tools, performance improvement, and to address Army unique technology gaps.
Supplemental Power Efficient Engines and Drives (SPEED)
This effort develops supplemental power, engine, and drives systems component technologies to improve power-to-weight ratio, efficiency, and provide improved mission capability for Army aircraft systems. Technology will be validated through component level test.
Budget line items(workbook-cited)
P-1/R-1 workbook Total Obligation Authority basis (USD thousands) · PB2026.
Exhibit R-1
| Account | Org | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army | A | FY24 Actuals | $53.6M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army | A | FY25 Enacted | $48.9M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army | A | FY25 Total | $48.9M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army | A | FY26 Disc. Request | $53.3M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army | A | FY26 Total | $53.3M |
Budget Details(R-2/P-40 facts)
J-book detail basis (R-2/P-40, USD millions) · PB2026 — a different accounting basis from the P-1/R-1 workbook TOA above; where the two disagree, the reconciliation strip under Budget figures shows both.
Wider than this screen — swipe the table sideways for the remaining fiscal-year columns.
| Project | FY24 Actuals | FY25 Total | FY26 Base | FY26 Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Element | $53.6M | $48.9M | $53.3M | $53.3M |
| CN1: Disruptive Countermeasure Concepts for Aviation | $8.98M | $6.72M | $7.15M | $7.15M |
| CU7: Control & Autonomy for Tactical Superiority Tech | $4.62M | $5.78M | $8.30M | $8.30M |
| CU8: Structures Tech for Enduring Efficient Resilience | $1.62M | $1.05M | $1.49M | $1.49M |
| CU9: Systems Design Technology | $3.02M | $4.43M | $7.18M | $7.18M |
| CW3: Advanced Rotors Applied Technology | $2.52M | $2.02M | $1.55M | $1.55M |
| CW4: Air Vehicle Structures and Dynamics Tech | $2.93M | $3.08M | $4.08M | $4.08M |
| CW5: Experimental and Computational Aeromechanics Tech | $6.59M | $6.92M | $10.3M | $10.3M |
| CW7: High Speed and Efficient VTOL Vehicle Tech | $1.52M | $3.58M | $1.57M | $1.57M |
| DC2: High Performance Computing for Rotorcraft Apl Tech | $1.25M | $1.31M | $1.41M | $1.41M |
| DE2: Airborne Threat Defeat | $5.58M | $6.67M | $1.88M | $1.88M |
| DK1: Air Vehicle Integrated & Alternative Tech (AVIATe) | — | $3.00M | $8.40M | $8.40M |
| CL5: Air Platform Enabling University Applied Research | $507.0K | $959.0K | — | — |
| CL8: Aviation Teaming Autonomy Concepts & Technologies | $3.09M | $3.34M | — | — |
| CT5: Air Platform Applied Research (CA) | $6.50M | — | — | — |
| CW6: Future UAS Propulsion Technology | $3.43M | — | — | — |
| CW8: Next Generation Aviation Transmission Apl Tech | $1.46M | — | — | — |
Follow the dollar
No follow-the-dollar view — this program's awards haven't been crosswalked at high confidence (flows cover 312 of 1,938 programs). why coverage is partial? →
Awards
No awards are linked to this program element at high or medium confidence — the budget→award crosswalk only asserts links it can defend, and this line has none yet.
Lobbying mentions
No Senate LDA lobbying filing in the tracked data mentions this program element by code or alias.
Oversight
Department-level designation (not specific to this program)
GAO lists 5 high-risk areas for DOD as a whole. That designation covers the department, not Air Platform Applied Research. No program-specific GAO finding for this line is in the ingested data. See the DOD oversight record.
Program dossier
No research dossier for this program — dossiers cover 50 of 1,938 programs, the largest fully J-book-detailed lines by FY2026 requested dollars. why no dossier here? →
Primary sources
Open any budget figure for its exact receipt. Verified line items lead with the highlighted government PDF; original spreadsheets download with their budget edition and exhibit in the filename.
Budget totals · TOA sources
FY2026 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J24
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2026_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2022 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J22
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2022_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2023 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J23
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2023_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2024 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J23
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2024_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2025 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J22
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2025_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
Detailed budget justification
The related TOA spreadsheets above use a different accounting basis from R-2/P-40 detail. Their amounts are not assumed to match these detailed sources.
RDTE - Vol 1 - Budget Activity 2 · www.asafm.army.mil
PDF page 396
RDTE - Vol 1 - Budget Activity 1 · www.asafm.army.mil