The U.S. Army is looking to improve its surveillance and intelligence-gathering abilities by using unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, launched from high-altitude aircraft. These new drones, known as “Launched Effects” (LE), are part of the Army’s plan to enhance its capabilities in the air. The goal is to develop drones that can be launched from aircraft flying at extremely high altitudes, making them better suited to perform tasks like surveillance, reconnaissance, and even targeting.
The New Drones and Motherships
The Army wants to integrate these drones onto the “hardpoints” of aircraft like the Bombardier G6500, a type of executive jet. These jets would fly at altitudes above 41,000 feet, which is much higher than regular commercial airplanes. At these heights, temperatures can drop to as low as 65 degrees below zero, which is a challenge for both the aircraft and the drones it carries. However, the Army believes that with proper engineering, the drones and their sensors can survive and operate in these harsh conditions.
The drones that the Army plans to launch are designed to perform a variety of important tasks. These tasks could include gathering information from enemy territory, providing surveillance over large areas, and even supporting attacks if needed. The drones will be launched from wing pylons on the aircraft, which are special mounting points on the sides of the plane. Once launched, the drones will be able to perform their missions while the aircraft continues flying.
Improving Army Capabilities with Drones
This new approach marks a shift in how the Army plans to use drones. For years, it has been focused on manned aircraft to perform missions, but now it is leaning heavily toward using unmanned aircraft, or drones, for its most dangerous operations. These Launched Effects will become a key part of the Army’s arsenal, allowing them to quickly deploy drones without the need for ground-based launch systems or additional planes.
The Army is focusing on making these drones more flexible, with different types planned for various tasks. Some drones will be designed for short-range missions, while others will be able to travel longer distances. By integrating drones with aircraft flying at high altitudes, the Army will have the ability to monitor and respond to threats from a much safer distance. The drones could be used to scout enemy positions or to deliver precise strikes if needed, all while staying out of danger themselves.
These drones are also part of the Army’s effort to use its resources more efficiently. The service has recently canceled the development of its Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft, freeing up funding for projects like these drones. By shifting its focus to unmanned systems, the Army hopes to get new technologies to the battlefield faster and with fewer risks to personnel.
Collaborations and Partnerships for Drone Development
The Army is working closely with several companies to bring these drones to life. Some of the companies involved are responsible for providing different parts of the system. Anduril Industries, for example, is providing the air vehicle, which is based on a drone called the Altius 700. This drone has already been used by the Army for testing and is expected to play a big role in the future plans.
Collins Aerospace is handling the mission systems, which are the technology that allows the drones to complete their tasks, while Aurora Flight Sciences is the company putting all the different parts of the system together. Other companies are working on the payloads for the drones, which are the equipment that the drones will carry to complete their missions.
The Army is also working on different versions of the drones to suit various needs. These include medium-range drones, short-range drones, and long-range drones. They are even considering testing drones that could be launched from high-altitude platforms like balloons or solar-powered aircraft that could stay in the air for very long periods. The goal is to build a variety of drones that can handle different kinds of missions and provide the Army with an edge in both defense and offense.