Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) Adv Dev

Mission — Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) Adv Dev source

A. Mission Description and Budget Item Justification 604036A / Project BY9 was established in FY 2022 to support sensor prototyping for initiation of the Army's Multi Domain Sensing System (MDSS), a layered approach of the Army's Aerial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (A-ISR) systems which allows for the best ability to achieve Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) capable deep sensing. The A-ISR systems, MDSS family of systems (HADES, HAP-DS, ARGOS, and HERMES) and Launched Effects (LE), is comprised of a variety of platform/sensor combinations and MDO-capable, platform agnostic, scalable sensor programs that will provide for technical insertion into LE, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), high-altitude platforms (including Micro High-Altitude Balloons (mHAB)), medium altitude manned systems, and unmanned stratospheric A-ISR systems. These capabilities are enabled by emerging Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) processing and automated target recognition, autonomous sensor cross-cueing, sensor data correlation and resilient Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) compliant communications which shorten the sensor to shooter kill chain. PE 0604036A / Project DD6 is the Army's first priority in the Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) portfolio of systems and is the centerpiece of the A-ISR transformation strategy. High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) is a commercial jet modified for military use with complex Outer Mold Line (OML) aerodynamic modifications and integrated with sensors which provide Communications Intelligence (COMINT), Electronics Intelligence (ELINT), and Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator (SAR/MTI) (i.e. RADAR) capabilities, Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE), and other military mission equipment utilizing open system standards. HADES allows the Army to fly higher, faster, and farther, which directly impacts the warfighter's ability to see and sense deeper, delivering an organic capability in line with the Army's operational imperative for deep sensing. In FY 2026 three (3) prototype aircraft are concurrently in development, up from two (2) in FY 2025. These three developmental prototypes will inform future Army procurement decisions. The FY 2026 cost of the HADES Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is $83.7 million, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The Department will certify FYDP funding in a future budget submission. HADES is part of the Army Transformation Initiative (ATI). Procurement begins in FY 2026.

Mission — Multi-Domain Sensing System Adv Dev source

604036A / Project BY9 was established in FY 2022 to support sensor prototyping for initiation of the Army's Multi Domain Sensing System (MDSS), a layered approach of the Army's Aerial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (A-ISR) systems which allows for the best ability to achieve Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) capable deep sensing. The A-ISR systems, MDSS family of systems (HADES, HAP-DS, ARGOS, and HERMES) and Launched Effects (LE), is comprised of a variety of platform/sensor combinations and MDO-capable, platform agnostic, scalable sensor programs that will provide for technical insertion into LE, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), high-altitude platforms (including Micro High-Altitude Balloons (mHAB)), medium altitude manned systems, and unmanned stratospheric A-ISR systems. These capabilities are enabled by emerging Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) processing and automated target recognition, autonomous sensor cross-cueing, sensor data correlation and resilient Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) compliant communications which shorten the sensor to shooter kill chain. FY 2024 RDTE funding and execution is currently being realigned to 0604036A DD6. 0604036A BY9 has no funding request in FY 2026.

Mission — HADES Platform, Payloads/PED, and Integration source

PE 0604036A / Project DD6 is the Army's first priority in the Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) portfolio of systems and is the centerpiece of the Army's Aerial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (A-ISR) transformation strategy. High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) is a commercial jet modified for military use with complex Outer Mold Line (OML) aerodynamic modifications and integrated with sensors which provide Communications Intelligence (COMINT), Electronics Intelligence (ELINT), and Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator (SAR/MTI) (i.e. RADAR) capabilities, Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE), and other military mission equipment utilizing open system standards. HADES allows the Army to fly higher, faster, and farther, which directly impacts the warfighter's ability to see and sense deeper, delivering an organic capability in line with the Army's operational imperative for deep sensing. In FY 2026 three (3) prototype aircraft are concurrently in development, up from two (2) in FY 2025. These three developmental prototypes will inform future Army procurement decisions. HADES provides advanced aerial intelligence sensing capabilities for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) against peer and near-peer adversaries, addressing Army deep sensing needs in all phases of operations and throughout the depth of the future battlefield. With higher airspeed, range and endurance, HADES will facilitate A-ISR coverage for a much larger geographical area than current capability and will facilitate global deployment within days instead of the current transitional period of several weeks for legacy aircraft. This will adversely affect our adversaries' ability to plan and maneuver. This is also aligned with the Headquarters Department of the Army Deputy Chief of Staff (HQDA DCS) G2 strategy that lethality begins with intelligence. HADES provides highly mobile, long endurance converged deep sensing through the collection of COMINT, ELINT, and SAR/MTI data. Subsequent increment upgrades can host Electronic Warfare (EW), Radio Frequency (RF)-enabled Cyber, and Launched Effects (LE) as well as additional system improvements. Aircraft performance and a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) increases flexibility in rapid global deployment and postures to meet emerging operational needs. HADES will utilize an incremental acquisition strategy and an open system approach: Increment 1 (Prototypes #1 and #2): Initial capability includes COMINT, ELINT, SAR/MTI; and a MOSA digital backbone. Increment 2 (Prototype #3): Integration of advanced COMINT/ ELINT sensors and modernization upgrades, such as LE, EW, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ ML). The FY 2026 cost of the HADES Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is $83.7 million, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The Department will certify FYDP funding in a future budget submission. HADES is part of the Army Transformation Initiative (ATI). *Note on Quantities: The HADES LSI will receive three (3) commercial aircraft over three years to convert into HADES prototypes/RDT&E Articles, one in FY 2024, one in FY 2025, and one in FY 2026.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (5)