The U.S. Army’s Product Manager Ground Sensors, or PM GS, has awarded other transaction authority agreements to Leonardo DRS, Elbit America and QinetiQ as part of Phase 0 development of the Future Advanced Long-range Common Optical/Netted-fires Sensor, better known as FALCONS, program.
PM GS said Friday that Phase 0 will have a 12-month period of performance, with each vendor receiving $2 million.
FALCONS Phase 0 Details
Under the agreement, the companies will perform preliminary system model development, system specification review and technology maturity assessments and receive soldier feedback on their proposed platforms.
“This initial phase will allow the Army and our industry partners to collaboratively establish the FALCONS prototype’s foundation before bending any metal,” explained Lt. Col. Ryan Welch, product manager for ground sensors at the Army. “During Phase 0, the Army will be able to set the conditions for a prototype development phase that will maximize competition and ensure an incredible warfighting capability is affordable and delivered to our Soldiers.”
What Is the FALCONS Program?
FALCONS will connect military scouts and fire supporters, facilitating coordination and shortening the kill chain. The platform will be equipped with the Army’s third-generation Forward-Looking Infrared, or 3GEN FLIR, system, which allows troops to see enemy forces through darkness, smoke, rain, snow or fog.
FALCONS is expected to replace the Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System, or LRAS3, a platform that has been in operation since the start of the Iraq War.
