The US Army is seeking industry input on a spy aircraft that can launch unmanned aerial systems.
The aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft will be based on an executive jet aircraft, such as a Bombardier G6500, and operate at medium to high altitude.
This announcement seems to attempt to expand the capabilities of the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program, which is also based on the Global 6500.
HADES enhances the service’s current ISR capabilities through a manned aircraft that can fly longer, higher, and faster while carrying a bigger sensor payload.
Adding drones to the aircraft further enhances the platform’s capabilities, particularly in contested airspaces.
ISR Aircraft-Launched Drones
The Special Electronic Mission Aircraft Product Directorate of the Fixed Wing Project Office has stated the requirement for an aircraft that can operate at an altitude of 41,000 feet (12,497 meters).
It means the drones, or launched effects, need to survive in a temperature lower than 65 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.
The aircraft’s maximum speed is 400 knots (741 kilometers/460 miles per hour), which it should maintain for over seven hours.
Demonstration in 2026
The drones could be carried on the aircraft’s internal wing pylons or on external hardpoints, a request for information states.
The accumulated weight of the drone, launcher, and pylon should not exceed 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms) for the internal hardpoints and 600 pounds (272 kilograms) for the external hardpoints.
The host aircraft will provide a data network and up to 10kVA (Kilo-volt-amperes) of power at each station for the launched effects.
An operational capability demonstration is expected in fiscal 2026.
