Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System

Why is Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System needed?

The warfighter needs persistent situational awareness. Battlefield surroundings can evolve rapidly – creating a constant need to identify potential threats and avoid dangerous situations. Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) will allow brigade commanders to see, track, and understand what is unfolding around them. Allowing the warfighter to see the threat before the threat sees them.

Northrop Grumman has partnered with Shield AI, for the FTUAS program. Together, they will provide a transformational Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) capability via Shield AI’s expeditionary V-BAT system.

The team brings more than 30 years’ experience in the production, delivery and sustainment of UAS systems to support this critical mission today and into the future. 

Photo caption: Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell Ky. participate in the FTUAS Rodeo with the Shield AI V-BAT. (Photo courtesy of US Army) “The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.”

A Unique Expeditionary Capability

The Shield AI V-BAT is an easily deployable, expeditionary Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) system, with a near-zero footprint, capable of persistent aerial reconnaissance.

Based on a platform deployed operationally today, this capability provides immediate situational awareness of hardened targets – reducing the need for direct exposure to threats on the battlefield.

Compact, lightweight and simple to operate, it is easily transportable and can be set up, launched and recovered in tight confined environments.  And, it is designed with sufficient payload capacity to carry a range of interchangeable payloads.

Photo Caption: Shield AI V-BAT 128 aboard UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter. (Photo courtesy of Shield AI)

Functionality to Support the Army’s Mission

Northrop Grumman and Shield AI will deliver a broad array of features and functionality aboard Shield AI’s V-BAT. The system will be tailored to address the Army’s priority requirements in support of this critical mission.

Game-changing Capability to Address Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) Requirements

The Army is seeking an easily deployable, expeditionary Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) system capable of reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) for US Army Brigade Combat Teams and Special Forces/Ranger battalions. We are partnered with Shield AI to design and offer a solution that addresses the Army’s FTUAS mission requirements.

Together, Northrop Grumman and Shield AI are delivering an expeditionary, near zero footprint, flexible VTOL capability that is based on a platform deployed operationally today and that performed exceptionally well during recent Operational Evaluation events. As the threat on the battlefield evolves, so will our capability, augmenting current capabilities and increasing functionality to meet and exceed the US Army’s current and future UAS needs.