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The U.S. Army's C5ISR Center is developing the Folded Lightweight Annular Telescope (FLAT) to improve high-resolution imaging for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) at extended ranges. The project, part of the Army's transformation efforts toward 2030, employs electro-optic and infrared technologies.

FLAT features a reflective design for compact, low-cost drone payloads. Prototypes are scheduled for field demonstrations in 2026, and once integrated into a sensor suite, the technology could be listed on the UAS Marketplace for government acquisition. This initiative aligns with broader Army efforts to enhance unmanned and counter-UAS capabilities.