Appendix A - A2E Definition and Operational Context.pdf

Offensive Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS) System Program Office (SPO)

Group 3 sUAS, Air-Launchable Swarm Carrier Request for Information (RFI)

Solicitation Number:

Appendix A - A2E Definition and Operational Context

Figure 1 - A2E OV-1 Architecture

A2E will provide SOF with access and placement to enhance targeting capabilities while simultaneously disrupting adversary capabilities. Special Operations Task Units (SOTUs) will employ A2E concepts and capabilities to enable airpower to maintain battlespace awareness, communicate, operate, conduct ISR, support global strike, execute rapid global mobility, and provide air superiority in permissive, contested, or denied environments. AFSOC will incorporate current aircraft and capabilities into A2E to enable SOF to exploit access, placement, and targeting within an assigned operating environment.

A2E platforms, composed of current and future systems, will launch payloads consisting of sUAS or munitions equipped with sensing, kinetic, and non-kinetic payloads deeper into contested and denied airspace to execute missions. The platforms and munitions will form a network enabling local and remote operators to control collection and targeting from inside and outside contested and denied airspace. A2E systems and payloads will operate overtly or covertly as mission dictates, with the ability to provide low-cost, expendable mass and attritable platforms while also providing high-fidelity targeting information and required effects for the Joint Force.

AFSOC will operate multiple large and sUAS simultaneously using artificial intelligence and advanced human-machine interfaces. As a result, AFSOC operators will cover more terrain and prosecute more targets in environments that are not currently accessible. An inherent feature of A2E is a focus on capabilities instead of specific platforms, which allows for faster integration of advanced technologies as they evolve. A2E will reduce command and control (C2) complexity, cost, and training by utilizing a common control interface to untether from traditional manpower requirements and fixed operating locations.

The Air Force plans to field initial A2E capabilities in FY27, with upgrades and/or introductions of new platforms and capabilities in future years as the A2E Family of Systems (FoS) expands and matures. Recall that the evaluation of need is continuous, and USG expects upgrade cycles to operate on a regular basis. A vendor that misses an opportunity or deadline for FY27 fielding may have another opportunity for future efforts.