STAG5-SLD, ISR & Targeting Gimbal From Leonardo DRS First To Be Added To US Department of War’s (DoW) Blue UAS Framework

A trusted gimbal for trusted small UAS missions

When operators launch a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS), they depend on more than the aircraft itself. Every component, especially the sensor payload, must be secure, interoperable, and  mission ready.

That’s why it matters that the Leonardo DRS STAG5-SLD  ISR & Targeting gimbal is included in the U.S. DoW’s Blue UAS Framework. The Framework is a vetted list of trusted, NDAA-compliant systems and components that government users and industry developers can select with greater confidence and lower risk. 

What the Blue UAS Framework means for users

Managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), the Blue UAS Framework was established to help streamline acquisition while improving security for small UAS ecosystems. Products added to the list must meet stringent cybersecurity requirements, and approved components can be integrated with Blue UAS-certified platforms when properly configured. 

For end users, inclusion signals a component has cleared key compliance and cybersecurity hurdles, thus reducing procurement friction and helping teams field capability faster.

Built for demanding and mission-critical applications

As the first laser target designator enabled sUAS payload on the Blue UAS Framework, the STAG5-SLD (SWIR and Laser Designator) is designed to bring precision fires capability to compact sUAS platforms,  delivering the kind of clarity and precision operators need when the environment is complex and time matters. The highly stabilized imaging system provides high-resolution day and night sensors, precision stabilization, onboard video processing with accurate target tracking, and an integrated laser target designator  for precision engagements in challenging conditions. 

A milestone for the STAG family—and for secure capability at the edge

The STAG5-SLD is part of Leonardo DRS’ broader STAG portfolio  of stabilized gimbal systems, built on an open-architecture dual-use common STAG5 platform,  in the Leonardo DRS manufacturing facilities in Texas. The common design  supports a number of different   payload configurations, in turn supporting  a wide range of civil and military operational requirements while maintaining precise stabilization and control. 

“Earning a position on the U.S. government’s Blue UAS Framework list is a strong endorsement of the quality, cybersecurity, and mission readiness the STAG5-SLD gimbal offers,” said Jerry Hathaway, vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Electro-Optical and Infrared business unit. “As demand for small UAS-based sensing solutions continues to grow, we are proud that our customers can rely on this trusted, high-performance capability to enable critical missions.” 

Leonardo DRS is a leading provider of multi-domain advanced cooled and uncooled infrared systems for the U.S. government, allied nations around the world and commercial partners with extensive operational mission capabilities across multiple domains, including ground, sea, air and space. Advanced sensing mission technology is a key strategic focus for DRS as the company brings together its industry-leading multi domain sensing capabilities, secure communications, and laser technologies to solve our customers’ critical mission needs.

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