Ownership of the MK 4.8 HQ Aerosonde system was formalised through the DD-250 process, transitioning the system to the Army. The next step involves New Equipment Training (NET) at the Redstone Test Center, where instructors and operators will be certified to utilise the advanced system. Training is set to conclude by late January 2025.
Following NET, the system will undergo a U.S. Government-led developmental testing phase, culminating in a major capstone event. Simultaneously, the Army will evaluate production proposals, with a contract award expected in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025.
The FTUAS program is designed to equip Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) with cutting-edge reconnaissance and surveillance tools. This capability will enable BCT commanders to gather and process actionable intelligence, ensuring dominance in Multi-Domain Operations. The system’s advanced features include vertical take-off and landing, on-the-move command and control, and ease of maintenance by soldiers in the field.
A Modular Open Systems Approach ensures the system remains adaptable to technological advancements. “The transformational capabilities of the FTUAS system will significantly enhance the Army’s operational readiness,” the U.S. Army said.
The Program Executive Office (PEO) for Aviation, based at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, oversees the FTUAS program. PEO Aviation’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Project Office is focused on delivering innovative and effective solutions to Army formations, helping maintain a strategic edge over peer adversaries in large-scale combat operations.
