CLARKE RANGE, ANNISTON, Ala. – The Capability Program Executive (CPE) Aviation Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) Project Office is advancing company-level directed requirements -- putting relevant, rapidly deployable drones in Soldiers’ hands, and creating capability decision space for Transformation in Contact (TiC) Units.
During a week of evaluation events performed by Product Office Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (SUAS), Soldiers in TiC units participated in Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) system demonstrations intended to inform their own system fielding selections.
As part of the Army’s initiative to test and field new technologies directly with operational units, this event allowed Soldiers to familiarize themselves with multiple Group 2 systems currently listed on the UAS Marketplace, perform live flight operations, and receive formal instruction on marketplace best practices and procurement procedures.
"From the unit level, having a lot more say of what potential systems and capabilities we get fielded is probably the biggest plus," said CW2 Derrick Brown from 101st Airborne Division.
Brown said the ability to see the systems, understand their operation, transportation, crew requirements, range, and set-up in a hands-on environment was a positive experience.
Following the flight demonstrations, units were able to select up to two different systems to meet their specific Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) requirements. Those systems will be fielded and trained over the next several months.
"I think [the UAS Marketplace] cleans up a lot of the [acquisition] process by showing units what all the available options are, not just what's slated to come to them,” said Capt. Max Laguna, 1st Calvary Division. “It also allows a comparative aspect that you didn't have before."
Laguna said seeing user feedback, verifiying system aspects, and reviewing in one place allowed him to make a more informed decision for the most effective tools to accomplish the mission.
During the event, units provided system feedback based on cost, product support, integrated payload options, configurations, and justifications for their decisions. Units were also encouraged to provide event feedback for future iterations of these events.
“Leveraging existing, readily available systems enables our formations to out-pace threats our Soldiers will encounter on the future battlefield,” said Col. Danielle Medaglia, Project Manager for the UAS Project Office. “Seeing these units learn about, provide feedback, and buy systems in real time proves this new approach to drone acquisition is working.”
This event is a prime example of the Army’s commitment to accelerating fielding and prioritizing Soldiers’ needs and preferences for their missions. With their new systems in-hand, these units can collect, develop, and maintain real-time situational awareness during their missions.