In the spring of 2019, the Army awarded a contract to four industry partners to provide non-developmental tactical systems, also known as "off the shelf" technology. The Army will provide the tactical UAS to units so Soldiers in U.S. Army Forces Command can evaluate the system under field conditions. The intent is for each unit to evaluate their assigned system in a realistic, tough training environment. Data gathered during the evaluation will be critical to determining the requirements necessary to acquire a replacement for the present UAS.
The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division conducted the first Soldier-operated flight during the Army Futures Command-directed Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System capabilities assessment, April 7, 2020.