ODASD(P&E) - Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack Systems Future Low-cost Expendable Experimentation (LUCAS FLEX)
Challenge ended
Description
Combatant Commands and forward-deployed forces increasingly rely on flexible, low-cost UAS to perform reconnaissance, logistics, electronic warfare, and strike missions in contested and austere environments. The Department of Defense seeks to advance next-generation capabilities under the Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack Systems (LUCAS) initiative through a focused prototyping effort known as FLEX: Future Low-cost Expendable Experimentation. This effort emphasizes modularity, affordability, and rapid adaptation to meet evolving mission demands. ONI, through its ONIX OTA vehicle, is facilitating public-private collaboration to deliver prototype capabilities aligned to operational priorities. This effort is being supported in coordination with the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Prototyping and Experimentation (ODASD(P&E)).
Overall Objective
Prototype a flexible, low-cost UAS family capable of supporting diverse mission sets across Combatant Commands, with modular payloads, open architecture, autonomous mission planning, expeditionary deployment, and real-time data exploitation. This includes enabling sustainment, security, and human-machine teaming enhancements that can transition into a LUCAS program of record. One or more lead prototyping partners are sought to develop, integrate, and demonstrate key capabilities under the LUCAS FLEX construct.
Problem Statement
Traditional UAS platforms often fail to meet the urgency, cost, and flexibility requirements of modern operations. High-end drones are expensive and limited in quantity, while consumer-grade models lack the durability and security needed for military use. A purpose-built, modular, and cost-effective solution is urgently needed to support persistent surveillance, rapid logistics, and strike missions, especially in denied or degraded environments. Current solutions also lack the modular, mission-specific adaptability needed to support varied Combatant Command (COCOM) requirements across global operational environments.