HADES Platform, Payloads/PED, and Integration
PE 0604036A / Project DD6 is the Army's first priority in the MDSS portfolio of systems and is the centerpiece of the A-ISR transformation strategy. HADES is a commercial jet modified for military use with complex OML aerodynamic modifications and integrated with sensors which provide COMINT, ELINT, and SAR/MTI (i.e. RADAR) capabilities, ASE, and other military mission equipment utilizing open system standards. HADES allows the Army to fly higher, faster, and farther, which directly impacts the warfighter's ability to see and sense deeper, delivering an organic capability in line with the Army's operational imperative for deep sensing. In FY 2027 Prototype #2 and #3 aircraft are concurrently being developed as prototype #1 will deliver in FY 2026. These three developmental prototypes will inform future Army procurement decisions. HADES provides advanced aerial intelligence sensing capabilities for Multidomain Operations (MDO) against peer and near-peer adversaries, addressing Army deep sensing needs in all phases of operations and throughout the depth of the future battlefield. With higher airspeed, range and endurance, HADES will facilitate A-ISR coverage for a much larger geographical area than current capability and will facilitate global deployment within days instead of the current transitional period of several weeks for legacy aircraft. This will adversely affect our adversaries' ability to plan and maneuver. This is also aligned with the Headquarters Department of the Army Deputy Chief of Staff (HQDA DCS) G2 strategy that lethality begins with intelligence. HADES provides highly mobile, long endurance converged deep sensing through the collection of COMINT, ELINT, and SAR/MTI data. Subsequent increment upgrades can host Electronic Warfare (EW), Radio Frequency (RF)-enabled Cyber, and Launched Effects (LE) as well as additional system improvements. Aircraft performance and a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) increases flexibility in rapid global deployment and postures to meet emerging operational needs. The total cost of the HADES Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Prototyping (RP) # 1 effort is $473.5 million RDT&E from FY 2024 to FY 2027. Details provided under separate cover.