Exclusive: US Army Enhances BFIST Artillery Vehicle with Advanced Tethered Aerial Drone Observation.

At the Human Machine Integration (HMI) Summit IV, held on November 6-7, 2024, at Texas A&M’s George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC) in Bryan, Texas, the U.S. Army unveiled a cutting-edge capability aimed at transforming battlefield intelligence and targeting operations. This summit featured the integration of tethered Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and advanced AI-driven targeting software, known as AI2C, into the Bradley Fire Support Team (BFIST) vehicle.
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U.S. Army’s BFIST artillery vehicle equipped with tethered drone showcased at the Human Machine Integration (HMI) Summit IV on November 6-7, 2024, at Texas A&M’s George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex, demonstrating advanced observation and targeting capabilities. (Picture source: Source X Ronkainen account)

A tethered drone is an unmanned aerial system (UAS) that remains connected to a ground station or vehicle by a physical cable, which supplies it with continuous power and enables secure, stable communication. Unlike free-flying drones, tethered drones can stay airborne for extended periods, providing persistent surveillance, intelligence, and communication support without needing to land for recharging. This setup is especially valuable in military applications, as it allows the drone to maintain a constant, high-altitude vantage point for real-time ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) and secure data transmission while also reducing the risk of signal jamming or interception.

The BFIST, an M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle variant, is specifically designed to support artillery and provide forward observation and targeting capabilities. With a robust communication suite and fire support mission systems, the BFIST enables rapid coordination with artillery units, directing precision fires and assisting frontline troops with critical targeting information. This latest upgrade, featuring UAS and AI-based technologies, further enhances the vehicle’s role as an invaluable asset in modern military operations.

The BFIST with tethered UAS integration represents a leap forward in battlefield intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, equipping the Army with a continuous, real-time flow of critical data. This system uses two primary drone models, the Spectre and Sentry UAS, which are tethered to the BFIST vehicle to allow extended endurance and persistent ISR without frequent interruptions for recharging or landing. The Spectre drone, capable of carrying an 8 lb payload, is certified with MIL-STD 810 and 461 standards for durability and electromagnetic compatibility. It has already been deployed in over 75 systems with vehicle integration capabilities. Meanwhile, with a lighter 2 lb payload, the Sentry drone is currently in use with over 500 operational units, marking it as a widely adopted platform for versatile battlefield scenarios.

In addition to ISR, the tethered UAS setup enhances the BFIST’s communication range. By integrating tactical radios, the drones can serve as aerial communication nodes, relaying critical data and voice communications over extended distances. This capability is further boosted by a Variable Height Antenna (VHA) system, allowing the drones to maintain signal continuity over challenging terrains and across larger operational areas. The integration uses a unified control system compatible with both the Tomahawk Ground Control Station and Skydio’s Ground Control Station, enabling seamless operation of multiple UAS units in the field. This system not only strengthens the BFIST’s tactical communication capabilities but also enhances its ability to support coordinated maneuvers and reconnaissance in complex environments.

Central to this new capability is the AI2C targeting software, also known as Project Shrike, which incorporates advanced machine learning algorithms to drastically reduce sensor-to-shooter times and improve targeting accuracy. Project Shrike can rapidly identify, track, and localize targets with high precision, taking just 1 minute to produce accurate target location data with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of only 3 meters. This software can detect and classify targets up to 6.7 kilometers away, even in difficult terrain, giving Army units a faster and more reliable system for engaging high-value targets. The AI2C software also supports the BFIST’s mission of forward observation, ensuring that artillery and ground units have accurate and timely targeting data, which is crucial for effective and efficient mission execution.

The combination of Sentry and Spectre UAS systems with Project Shrike’s AI-driven targeting software is already seeing deployment in some of the Army’s forward-operating units. This includes units such as the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR), the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and the 1st Armored Division. These units utilize the integrated technology on various platforms, including the BFIST, Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), Robotic Combat Vehicle-Light (RCV-L), MUTT, and SMET robotic systems. This broad deployment across multiple vehicle types highlights the adaptability and effectiveness of the technology in real-world combat scenarios, where situational awareness and precision targeting can make a significant difference.

This advancement underscores the U.S. Army’s commitment to maintaining technological superiority on the battlefield by integrating advanced robotics and AI capabilities. By equipping the BFIST and other combat vehicles with tethered drones and AI-powered targeting software, the Army is enhancing its ability to rapidly respond to emerging threats, achieve accurate targeting, and maintain operational flexibility. The capabilities unveiled at the HMI Summit IV promise to strengthen the Army’s ISR and targeting capacities, laying the groundwork for the next generation of networked, AI-driven warfare, where human-machine collaboration becomes a force multiplier on the front lines.