Image credit: Uvision
The collaboration establishes a fast path to fieldable launched effects that reliably support and extend the operations of manned platforms.
Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company, and Uvision USA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing Launched Effects (LE) solutions to enhance operations for the U.S. Army. This MOU brings together Aurora’s expertise in collaborative autonomy, modular open systems, and mission integration with Uvision’s proven loitering munitions and launch mechanisms to create a field-ready solution that meets modern warfare requirements.
In an April 2025 memo, the U.S. Secretary of War directed the U.S. Army to field launched effects in every Division by the end of 2026. Launched effects represent a critical pillar of a capability-based approach by providing commanders with collaborative air and ground systems that extend reach, accelerate kill chains, and integrate seamlessly across the joint force. The systems’ enhanced reconnaissance, targeting, situational awareness, and precision strike capabilities give warfighters a decisive edge in complex operational environments.
Aurora Flight Sciences has previous experience as the lead systems integrator for the U.S. Army’s Air-Launched Effects (ALE) program, where the company played a critical role in design, integration, and flight testing. The program required a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), which Aurora continues to employ to create flexible LE technologies that integrate into existing Army networks and are capable of scaling to increasingly advanced systems.
Uvision’s HERO family of loitering munitions and launch mechanisms have already been deployed in operational environments worldwide. These systems offer combat-proven capabilities, reliability, and adaptability, making them ideal for launched effects integration. By leveraging the American-made HERO 120 system as the foundation, the team can fast-track deployable short-range LE solutions, while also developing the option to incorporate longer range munitions in future capability offerings.
“UVision’s loitering munitions are known for their precision, effectiveness, and scalability,” said Jarmin “JB” Blanton, vice president of Marketing, BD & Sales at Uvision. “Working with Aurora allows us to integrate our proven air vehicles and launch mechanisms into advanced LE solutions. We are leveraging each of our organizations’ strengths to offer reliability and rapid deployment to the U.S. Army.”
“Aurora and Uvision are committed to advancing the Pentagon’s call to action,” said Graham Drozeski, chief technology officer at Aurora Flight Sciences. “Pairing Aurora’s expertise in autonomy and systems integration with Uvision’s combat-proven platforms creates the most fieldable short-range LE system in the market. We will deliver systems that are adaptable, resilient, and interoperable to ensure overmatch in contested environments.”
Representatives from Aurora and Uvision will be available in the Uvision booth in Hall A, stand 107, at the 2025 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition on Oct 13-15 in Washington, DC. To learn more about their LE solutions, stop by the booth or email sales@aurora.aero.
