The move looks to free up resources for other investments in aviation technology, including unmanned systems.

The program is back on track to getting competitive prototypes flying by 2024, moving the Army closer to a more modern aircraft fleet.

“There’s a path to autonomy ... It’s going to be a graduated scale, or I kind of envision it as stair steps,” Army Aviation Branch Chief Maj.…

Known as Athena-S, the effort is a bridge capability for the Army's High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program.

Part of the Army's future vertical lift modernization efforts, the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System is intended to replace the RQ-7 Shadow.

The Applied Innovation Center will help Army aviation and others in the DOD engage with potential new partners from the commercial sector.