Networked Lethality Using Weaponized UAS

Orbital’s platform-agnostic Hunt-Kill-Return (HKR) system has demonstrated a compelling solution to the MCOE objective to remove soldiers from first contact with the enemy through the use of robotic systems. This technology provides that capability with inexpensive scalable warheads including anti-personnel, anti-armor, neutralization of explosive hazards and pyrotechnics (smoke, etc.). To deliver these effects, the Army currently depends on specialized personnel and assets that are not available at the lowest echelons, e.g., artillery, air support, route clearance, MICLICs.The Catalyst effort adds capability (based on soldier feedback) to the APFIT-delivered Orbital Research HKR UAS/drop-glide systems.  These HKR Systems were evaluated during numerous soldier touchpoints and exercises. Soldier feedback has been overwhelmingly supportive of the stand-alone weaponized UAS platform.  After extensive experimentation with the platform, the Robotic Autonomous Systems (RAS) platoon and other users have identified a need for a single user operating a single controller to direct multiple UAS with proportionate neutralization to the threat using modular mission payloads. To help achieve this goal and to minimize the cognitive burden on the soldier, automated target detection, target identification, and target tracking capability will be integrated with the existing controller during the proposed Catalyst phase II effort.  This Phase II effort will deliver integrated fire control and UAS navigation in a single controller for the weaponized UAS. This controller will feature automation and decision aids to simultaneously operate multiple weaponized UAS. The proposed base phase II funding will bring the technology to a TRL 6 before demonstration at AEWE 2025. By the conclusion of the one-year phase II, the technology will have been demonstrated at TRL 7. During the Catalyst Enhancement Period of this project, the Orbital Team will enhance algorithms, decision aids, and data libraries to refine to optimize system effectiveness. The weaponized UAS controller will be integrated with higher echelon sensor-to-shooter architectures. This phase will demonstrate a heterogenous UAS formation in which an ISR drone will maneuver to acquire and identify potential targets then send target data to a networked lethality decision aid system that recommends the appropriate lethal payload for the target. The operator, with the benefit of decisions aids, will select the optimal effects to be deployed from within the formation. Target data and decision-aid technology will adhere to Human Machine Integration (HMI) standards (Tactical Assault Kit, etc.). The end state of the Catalyst effort is a controller with integrated fire control and navigation that is interoperable with Army networked lethality decision aids.  The Catalyst will lay the foundation for Low Rate Initial Production with Orbital's strategic defense contractors.