This bill mandates a Department of Defense study, in coordination with the FAA, on the feasibility and cost of equipping all military fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft with air-to-air and air-to-ground collision detection systems.
Cory Mills
Representative
FL-7
The CLOUD Aircraft Act mandates the Department of Defense (DoD) to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility and cost of equipping all military fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground collision detection systems. This study, conducted in coordination with the FAA, must specifically address aircraft operating frequently in busy domestic airspace. The Secretary of Defense is required to report the findings and recommendations to Congress within 180 days of the Act's enactment.
New CLOUD Aircraft Act Mandates DoD Study on Collision Avoidance Systems for Military Jets Near Commercial Airspace
The Collision-Limiting Operational Upgrade for DOD Aircraft Act, or the CLOUD Aircraft Act, is a straightforward piece of legislation focused on making the skies safer, particularly where military and civilian aircraft mix. Essentially, this bill requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to team up with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct a study on the feasibility and cost of equipping all military fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters with advanced collision detection systems.
Why Are We Talking About This?
If you live near a major airport or a military base, you’ve probably seen military jets or transport planes flying alongside commercial airliners. That shared airspace is the focus here. The study specifically targets DoD aircraft that regularly fly in "highly trafficked domestic airspaces"—think those busy Class B, C, or D airspaces surrounding major commercial service airports. The goal is simple: reduce the risk of a mid-air collision between a fighter jet and a passenger plane, or between a helicopter and an unmarked terrain feature.
The Tech Upgrade They’re Considering
The study looks at two types of safety technology. First, Air-to-air collision detection systems—the kind that warn pilots if another plane with a transponder (like almost every commercial jet) gets too close. This is often called TCAS in the civilian world. Second, Air-to-ground collision detection systems—which use radar and digital maps to alert pilots if they are about to hit the ground or an obstacle. For military aircraft, especially those flying fast or low near civilian areas, these systems are critical safety backups.
What This Means for Airspace and Taxpayers
For anyone who flies commercially, this is a clear win for safety. By mandating a study (in SEC. 2), Congress is laying the groundwork for potentially standardizing safety equipment across military and civilian sectors, which is crucial for reducing risk in crowded flight paths. The DoD and FAA must deliver their findings and recommendations to Congress within 180 days of the bill becoming law. While the bill only mandates a study, not the actual equipment purchase, that study will provide the data needed to justify a massive safety upgrade down the line.
There is a cost component, naturally. The study itself will cost taxpayer money, and if the DoD moves forward with the recommendations, the subsequent equipment installation could cost billions. However, the investment is aimed at preventing catastrophic accidents. This is an example of smart, preemptive policy analysis—get the facts and the price tag first, then make an informed decision on improving safety where military training and civilian travel intersect.