Technology: U.S. Army Tests New VTOL YRQ-10A Recon Drone Offering Real-Time Battlefield Intelligence.

On March 18, 2025, the United States Army’s Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (FTUAS) program entered a pivotal new phase as Textron Systems delivered two prototype sets of the MK 4.8 HQ Aerosonde (designated YRQ-10A) to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, initiating a critical period of developmental testing. More than just a delivery, this event represents a decisive leap forward in the United States Army’s efforts to revolutionize how Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) conduct aerial reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition in complex operational environments.
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The MK 4.8 HQ Aerosonde, delivered by Textron Systems, undergoing developmental testing at Redstone Arsenal as part of the U.S. Army’s FTUAS program. This next-generation uncrewed aerial system offers VTOL capability, two-soldier portability, and advanced ISR performance tailored for Brigade Combat Teams in multi-domain operations. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

Each prototype set consists of two air vehicles, two ground control stations, two ground data terminals, one On-the-Move (OTM) kit, and associated ground support equipment. The equipment was received by the United States Army’s Project Manager for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) in collaboration with the Aviation and Missile Lifecycle Management Command. These systems will undergo rigorous testing throughout the year to inform a production decision and a Rapid Fielding contract award, which is anticipated in the fall of 2025.

The FTUAS program is more than just a technological upgrade; it is a cornerstone of the United States Army’s broader Future Vertical Lift (FVL) modernization strategy. Designed to replace the aging RQ-7B Shadow, the FTUAS aims to deliver a new generation of uncrewed aerial systems that are not only more capable but also more adaptable to the fluid and contested environments of modern warfare. Central to this effort is the goal of providing BCTs with an organic ISR capability that enhances situational awareness, supports rapid decision-making, and enables dominance across multi-domain operations.

A key differentiator of the FTUAS is its emphasis on operational agility and tactical flexibility. Unlike the RQ-7B, which requires a runway for launch and recovery, FTUAS systems like the MK 4.8 HQ Aerosonde utilize Hybrid Quadrotor technology to achieve vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). This capability eliminates the need for runways and allows forces to deploy the system from confined or rugged terrain—be it an urban center, mountain ridge, or forest clearing—thus dramatically expanding operational reach.

Textron’s MK 4.8 HQ Aerosonde is a combat-proven platform, with over 600,000 flight hours supporting missions in some of the world’s harshest environments. The version tailored for FTUAS builds on this legacy with enhanced size, weight, and power (SWaP) characteristics that allow it to perform brigade-level reconnaissance missions. At the same time, it retains two-soldier portability, making it highly deployable via UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters or tactical ground vehicles—an essential quality for high-tempo and expeditionary operations.

Following its delivery, one prototype set was sent to the United States Army Test and Evaluation Command’s Redstone Test Center to undergo transportability testing. This phase will validate the system’s ability to be deployed and repositioned by organic United States Army transportation assets in real-world environments. The second set was delivered to the DEVCOM Aviation and Missile Center’s Joint Technology Center Systems Integration Laboratory to initiate network and cybersecurity testing. These tests are essential for achieving the system’s Authority to Operate (ATO), confirming its resilience against cyber threats and ensuring the secure dissemination of ISR data across United States Army networks.

The MK 4.8 HQ Aerosonde also exemplifies the United States Army’s commitment to modular and soldier-centric system design. Its Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) allows for rapid integration of new payloads, sensors, and software upgrades, ensuring that the system remains technologically relevant as threats evolve. Maintenance can be performed at the field level by soldiers themselves, enhancing system readiness and reducing logistical burdens. Moreover, its On-the-Move control capability enables operators to command and receive data from the drone while on patrol—removing the need to halt operations for UAV mission control.

Managed by the Program Executive Office (PEO) for Aviation at Redstone Arsenal, the FTUAS initiative reflects the United States Army’s broader effort to modernize its aviation portfolio and retain a decisive edge over peer adversaries. The UAS Project Office within PEO Aviation continues to focus on equipping United States Army formations with advanced, scalable, and resilient uncrewed systems that align with the needs of 21st-century warfare.

As the FTUAS enters its developmental testing phase, the program not only signals the future of United States Army reconnaissance but also reinforces a strategic vision centered on speed, adaptability, and dominance in multi-domain operations. The MK 4.8 HQ Aerosonde is not just a new aircraft—it is the embodiment of a new tactical paradigm, one that will shape the United States Army’s ISR capabilities for years to come.