To deliver high-quality and cost-effective payloads for Air Launched Effects (ALE), High Altitude ALE (HAALE) and Ground Launched Effects (GLE) for all variants of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

Payloads are utilized on ALE Air Vehicles (AV), both Large (ALE-L) and Small (ALE-S).  They have multiple functions, such as detect, identify, and counter adversarial systems.

SYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCIES:

• Payloads are dependent on ALE Air Vehicles (both Large and Small variants) which have specific size, weight and power requirements that limit the capabilities each size vehicle can have installed

The Common Sensor Payload (CSP) is an Electro-optic/Infrared/Laser Designator (EO/IR/LD) sensor that provides reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition (RSTA), and intelligence gathering capabilities to the MQ-1C Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) in support of battlefield commanders.

• The CSP provides near real-time imagery for detection and classification of targets/threats for battlefield commanders with a day/night imaging sensor and laser designation, pointing, target marking, and spot tracking for Aerial Intelligence (AI)
• The CSP is currently undergoing a system upgrade to add Target Location Accuracy (TLA) capabilities which will provide automated Target Coordinate Mensuration done in seconds versus minutes to allow for near-real time engagements with coordinate seeking weapons

SYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCIES:

• The CSP mounts on the MQ-1C Gray Eagle and is required for the Gray Eagle to execute its mission in support of battlefield commanders

The Small Tactical Radar – Lightweight (STARLite) is a Synthetic Aperture Radar/Ground Moving Target Indicator, Dismount Moving Target Indicator (SAR/GMTI/DMTI) system, which is a lightweight, high performance, all-weather, multi-functional radar sensor.

• Payload is capable of on-board processing and transmission of near-real-time imagery and target detection data to the Universal Ground Control Station (UGCS) via a digital data link
• SAR and MTI Data can be exploited in the Process, Exploitation, and Dissemination (PED) and/or the GCS-E in the UGCS
• Provides Battlefield Commanders increased situational awareness through wide area surveillance, imaging of stationary targets, and detection/tracking of moving targets

SYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCIES:

• STARLite and the Common Sensor Payload (CSP) cross-cue on the MQ-1C UAS Gray Eagle
• STARLite provides High-Resolution Spot Mode Imagery and High-Resolution Strip Mode Imagery up to 20 kilometers

The Shadow Electro Optic Infrared Laser Designator (SHEILD) sensor’s mission is to provide multi-sensor, full motion video imaging capabilities to the warfighter, increasing the battlefield commander’s situational awareness by acquiring, ranging, identifying, and laser-designating targets for precision-guided munitions.

SHEILD is made up of two sensors: POP-300 and MX-10. These payloads provide battle-field commanders with real-time responsive capability in support of near real time Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition, Command and Control, Signal Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Special Operations missions during peacetime and all levels of war against defended/denied areas over extended periods.

SYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCIES:

• The SHEILD Payload is an integral component of the RQ-7Bv2 Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (TUAS).  The Shadow TUAS provides Army Brigade Combat Teams, Combat Aviation Brigades, and Special Operation Groups situational awareness, wide-area target acquisition, laser designation, and High Value Target (HVT) tracking to conduct both shaping and decisive operations with greatly increased lethality

EMARSS is the Army’s current-generation C-12 based, direct support, manned airborne intelligence collection, processing, and targeting support system. It provides a persistent capability to detect, locate, classify/identify, and track surface targets with a high degree of timeliness and accuracy.

EMARSS provides rapid cross-cueing of multiple on-board sensors to enable timely target confirmation and positive identification of mobile, fleeting targets in direct support of BCT operations as well as general support to higher echelon and coalition forces across the full range of military operations. The EMARSS program’s flexibility, endurance, sensor capability, communications architecture, and PED provides critical, near real-time support to multiple combatant commands.

EMARSS aircrafts are assigned to the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command’s (INSCOM) Aerial Exploitation Battalions (AEBs) providing aerial ISR support to combatant commanders. The Army Acquisition Objective for EMARSSS is 36 systems, with an Army Procurement Objective of 24, to include the following variants: eight EMARSS-Geospatial Intelligence (EMARSS-G); four EMARSS-Vehicle and Dismount Exploitation Radar (VADER) (EMARSS-V); eight EMARSS-Multiple Intelligence (EMARSS-M); and four EMARSS-Signals Intelligence (EMARSS-S).

SYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCIES:

• EMARSS intercepts, identifies, locates, and reports threat special communications signals emitters. The system provides real-time downlink sensor-to-shooter connectivity to the warfighter via a common data link (CDL) and tactical comms links. Beyond-line-of-sight, net-centric, off-board analysis and reporting reduces deployed footprint and sustainment. EMARSS sensor collection data also feeds the National Intelligence Community and supports the Army’s PED Center of Excellence mission requirements

Enhanced Medium Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System (EMARSS)

The Guardrail Common Sensor (GRCS) is a RC-12X fixed-wing aircraft, which hosts Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) sensors. It provides a persistent capability to detect, locate and classify/identify critical targets with a relevant degree of timeliness and accuracy.

Originally a Cold War system built for Indications and Warnings against adversaries in both European and Pacific Theaters of Operation, GRCS provides near peer capability and A2AD standoff.  The Guardrail RC-12X significantly improves the system’s Tactical Irregular Warfare Capability, by collecting low-, mid-, and high-band radio signals; identifying, classifying; determining source location; & providing near-real-time reporting, ensuring information dominance to commanders.

GRCS is assigned to two U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command’s Aerial Exploitation Battalions, providing Aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (AISR) support to combatant commanders. In accordance with the Army’s AISR 2020 strategy, the Army’s Acquisition Objective/Army’s Procurement Objective (AAO/APO) is 19 RC-12X; seven fielded to 3rd MI BN; seven fielded to the 204th MI BN, and five pilot trainers to support Force Generation. The five trainers are not equipped with Primary Mission Equipment (PME).

SYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCIES:

• GRCS intercepts, identifies, locates, and reports threat special communications signals emitters. The system provides real-time downlink sensor-to-shooter connectivity to the Warfighter via a common data link (CDL) & tactical comms links. Net-centric, off-board analysis and reporting reduces deployed footprint and sustainment. GRCS sensor collection data also feeds the National Intelligence Community and supports the Army’s Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination (PED) Center of Excellence mission requirements

Guardrail Common Sensor (GRCS)

ARES is a manned contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) proof of concept AISR technical demonstrator jet, delivering modernized sensor capabilities against near-peer threats and adversaries, operating in the PACOM area of responsibility.

ARES is a manned contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) proof of concept AISR technical demonstrator jet, delivering modernized sensor capabilities against near-peer threats and adversaries.

• The objective for the AISR technical demonstrator includes:
  • The evaluation of ELINT, COMINT and Electronic Warfare/Attack and Cyber effects using a COCO jet that exceed capabilities of the Army’s current programs of record
  • Assessing performance of modern sensors flown at high altitudes with the ability to conduct deep sensing during exercises and deployment
  • Informing future AISR modernization priorities.
  • Refining the capability gaps for expeditionary PED

SYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCIES:

• INSCOM Processing, Exploitation & Dissemination (PED) network, IEW&S sensors, IS&A TITAN (future), PEO Aviation

Airborne Reconnaissance & Electronic Warfare System (ARES)

ARTEMIS is a manned contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) proof of concept AISR technical demonstrator jets, delivering modernized sensor capabilities against near-peer threats and adversaries, operating in the EUCOM area of responsibility.

ARTEMIS is a manned contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) proof of concept AISR technical demonstrator jet, delivering modernized sensor capabilities against near-peer threats and adversaries.

• The objective for the AISR technical demonstrator includes:
  • The evaluation of ELINT, COMINT and Electronic Warfare/Attack and Cyber effects using a COCO jet that exceed capabilities of the Army’s current programs of record
  • Assessing performance of modern sensors flown at high altitudes with the ability to conduct deep sensing during exercises and deployment
  • Informing future AISR modernization priorities.
  • Refining the capability gaps for expeditionary PED

SYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCIES:

• INSCOM Processing, Exploitation & Dissemination (PED) network, IEW&S sensors, IS&A TITAN (future), PEO Aviation

Airborne Reconnaissance Targeting Exploitation Mission Intelligence System (ARTEMIS)

Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) HADES will be a multi-faceted sensing capability on higher altitude, longer endurance manned platforms (e.g., business jet) that can provide stand-off from enemy anti-access/area denial (A2AD) systems. HADES will address Army requirements for medium to high altitude aerial ISR capabilities to rapidly gain and maintain situational understanding, freedom of maneuver, overmatch, and decision advantage in an MDO.

• Flexible and integrated platforms, payloads, data transport and enhanced analysis capabilities
• Ability to conduct deep sensing to recognize, identify, track and geo-locate targets.
• Sensor-to-shooter links to shorten the kill chain and operate at the tempo and volume of LSGCO.
• Near-real-time products via on-board data processing using artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data processing.
• Initial capabilities will include ELINT, COMINT, and SAR/MTI sensing.
• Follow-on capabilities will include cyber, electronic warfare, and air-launched effects

SYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCIES:

• INSCOM Processing, Exploitation & Dissemination (PED) network, IEW&S sensors, IS&A TITAN (future), PEO Aviation

High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES)

The Multi Domain Sensing System (MDSS), High-altitude Extended-range Long-endurance Intelligence Observation System (HELIOS) will provide deep sensing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Intelligence, Survellance and Reconnaissance (ISR) from high altitude (60-100,000 feet) against near-peer threats located one thousand miles or more beyond the Forward Line of Troops (FLOT).

HELIOS is just one component of the larger MDSS family of systems, which includes manned and unmanned ISR sensor-platform pairings arrayed in a self-healing network from low to high altitude through the entire depth of the future Multi Domain Operations (MDO) battlefield. As the Army transitions into an MDO capable and then an MDO ready force, HELIOS will serve as an essential component of the Waypoint and Aimpoint force.

Commanders require cross-domain solutions to penetrate anti-access/area denial defenses and precisely geolocate threat integrated air defense systems. The stratosphere is the final piece of the aerial domain that must be operationalized to complete the common operating picture across the entire depth of the future Multi Domain Operations (MDO) battlespace. Deep sensing from the stratosphere is a force multiplier for Joint, Army, and mission partners as it provides targetable data in near-real-time (NRT) for action by long-range Fires elements. Stratospheric sensors also increase commander’s situational understanding as it produces critical intelligence that is cloud discoverable by Joint All-Domain Command and Control systems and within the Army Command Post Computing Environment.

This deep sensing capability includes a mix of High-Altitude Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (HA-ISR) sensors hosted on remotely piloted High Altitude Platforms (HAP) complemented by High Altitude Air Launched Effects (HA-ALE). These HA-ISR sensors will identify and develop land-based and maritime targets suitable for Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF) during conflict and provide persistent surveillance during competition on strategic areas of interest. In addition to its deep sensing capabilities, HA-ISR can conduct on-board data processing for rapid target recognition and reporting as well as a resilient architecture capable of functioning in disrupted, disconnected, intermittent and low-bandwidth (DDIL) environments.

SYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCIES:

• INSCOM Processing, Exploitation & Dissemination (PED) network, IEW&S sensors, IS&A TITAN (future), PEO Aviation

Provides Multi Domain Operations (MDO) capable sensing against near-peer threats in highly contested electromagnetic, cyber, and Denied, Disconnected, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments

The Multi Domain Sensing System (MDSS) High Efficiency RF Monitoring and Exploitation System (HERMES) will provide Multi Domain Operations (MDO) capable sensing against near-peer threats in highly contested electromagnetic, cyber, and Denied, Disconnected, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments. HERMES is employed on MDSS Aerial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (AISR) systems providing detection, identification, and precision geolocation of threats for targeting by the Army’s Integrated Fires System (IFS) through the entire depth of the future MDO battlefield.

HERMES is a multi-platform SIGINT sensor suite deployed on the MDSS AISR fleet. The software defined radios collect on threat signatures in all theaters. HERMES utilizes Sensor Open Systems Architectures (SOSA) and Sensor Computing Environment (CE) standards to effectively communicate and share information with the Command Post Computing Environment. The HERMES sensors deployed with survivable, attractable, or expendable platforms, use secure, cyber resilient, assured data transport to feed artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) enabled PED functions. HERMES is designed to be interoperable with the Tactical Intelligence Targeting and Access Node (TITAN) and future Intel Apps as they emerge. Parallel dissemination to AI/ML capable mission command systems, establish sensor-to-shooter links that simultaneously enable fires, electromagnetic warfare, and cyber effects during large scale combat operations. The same integrated approach is used across the MDSS family of systems with the intent of converging capabilities from multiple domains, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the information environment supporting the MDO Force’s ability to achieve overmatch.

HERMES mitigates SIGINT collection gaps and provides the means to outpace adversary technology by advancing US capabilities to the edge of technological innovation and operational relevance. It supports Commanders across all phases by revealing adversary capabilities, actions, and intent, providing targetable information, and satisfying information needs as the Joint Force transitions back to competition. HERMES’s open architecture design and distributed network approach supports convergence of intelligence, electromagnetic warfare, cyberspace, and fires capabilities available to multi-domain formations. Ultimately, it increases Army relevance in the Joint fight and is a vital component of an MDO ready intelligence enterprise.

SYSTEM INTERDEPENDENCIES:

• HERMES interdependencies are still to be determined, but currently envisioned initially as a capability for the MQ-1 Gray Eagle UAS