The U.S. Army is actively seeking unmanned aircraft systems that can be launched from medium- or high-altitude platforms for various missions, such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. This effort is outlined in a Request for Information (RFI) posted on the federal business opportunities portal, [Sam.gov](https://sam.gov/opp/ac26487cb54948569507c88bc3a0d5c6/view).
The initiative is led by the Special Electronic Mission Aircraft Product Directorate, part of the Army’s Fixed-Wing Aircraft Project Office, with a goal to demonstrate operational capabilities by fiscal year 2026.
The proposed “Launched Effects” (LE) systems are designed to be integrated onto the hardpoints of executive jet category aircraft, exemplified by the Bombardier G6500. These aircraft would operate above 41,000 feet mean sea level, achieving true airspeeds of over 400 knots for durations exceeding seven hours. The LE systems and associated sensors must withstand extremely low temperatures, reaching 65 degrees below zero, for extended periods.
Launched Effects refers to an envisioned segment of the Army’s aerial platforms, offering capabilities such as targeting, reconnaissance, surveillance, network extension, and kinetic strikes. These systems can be deployed from both air and ground vehicles.
The LE systems are intended to be mounted on wing pylons of the aircraft and must be capable of deployment while in flight, as specified in the RFI.
This new direction in the Army’s aviation strategy emphasizes drones and LE platforms as crucial assets in engaging with adversaries. The Army is pushing to expedite the development and deployment of these systems and has utilized funds previously allocated for the now-canceled manned Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft to accelerate this program.
In 2020, the Army selected ten companies to develop mature medium-range LE technologies, and earlier this year, five of those companies were chosen to collaborate on a prototype. Each company is contributing a unique aspect to the LE system.
Anduril Industries is responsible for the air vehicle, having acquired Area-I, the original developer of the Altius 700, in 2021. The Altius 700 has been operational within the Army for evaluating launched effects for over five years. Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies subsidiary, is providing mission systems, while Aurora Flight Sciences serves as the system integrator. Additionally, Technology Service Corp. and Northrop Grumman Information Systems are supplying modular payloads.
The Army is also collaborating with the Program Executive Office Missiles and Space to develop a medium-range LE that can meet the needs for a helicopter-fired Long-Range Precision Munition.
Furthermore, the Army is working on both short-range and long-range LE prototypes, with plans to commence short-range prototyping in early fiscal 2025 and continue through fiscal 2029. A request for proposals for the long-range system is scheduled for release in the third quarter of fiscal 2026, which is one year ahead of the original timeline.
Lastly, the Army has shown interest in exploring launched effects for even higher-altitude platforms, such as balloons or long-endurance, solar-powered fixed-wing aircraft capable of operating in the stratosphere.
Jen Judson, the author of this information, is an award-winning journalist specializing in land warfare for Defense News and has previously worked for Politico and Inside Defense. She holds a Master of Science in journalism from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College.
