The US Army is seeking vendors to supply “Launched Effects” (LE) — affordable, attritable, and autonomous uncrewed systems with a multi-purpose function in contested environments.
Based on the solicitation, the LEs must be deployable from aircraft and/or ground platforms, able to operate individually or in swarms, easily integrate with existing networks and systems, and support future upgrades via an iterative agile fielding approach.
The modular weapons are expected to perform a variety of functions, including serving as reconnaissance platforms, strike drones, or electronic warfare assets.
This builds on the LE-short-range Special User Demonstration in March that gathered warfighter feedback to shape future requirements and refine employment strategies.
Launched Effects
The proposed solution must be complete with air vehicles, payloads, launchers, and supporting ground elements and come with a fully supported Program of Instruction, as well as satisfy safety processes needed for soldier operation.
Its key capabilities include having an operational range of at least 40 kilometers (24.8 miles).
As an autonomous system, it must be capable of full mission preplanning and execution while also allowing operators to conduct dynamic retasking in the middle of a mission.
Meanwhile, the solicitation listed its secondary capabilities to include enhanced survivability through a reduced radar cross section and low observability, and a “dash speed” of over 120 knots (222 kilometers/138 miles per hour).
The US Army also requested that vendors provide the time on station for ranges of 40 kilometers (24.8 miles), 100 kilometers (62 miles), and 200 kilometers (124 miles).
The LEs are expected to be fielded across every army division and Multi Domain Task Force by 2026, so vendors who can deliver complete systems within four to six months will be prioritized with an initial award from the service’s One Nation Innovation, which fast-tracks army technology development and procurement.
