Manned Reconnaissance System

Abstract

The RC-135 Operational Systems Development and enhancement activities project supports design studies, engineering analysis, non-recurring engineering, and other efforts associated with the integration and modification of the RC-135 programs and their specialized mission systems - both air and ground. Extensive utilization of commercial-off the-shelf (COTS) based solutions allows rapid fielding of needed capabilities through continuous technology refresh cycles and diminishing manufacturing sources (DMS)/vanishing vendor items (VVI) logistics mitigation efforts. The results of these efforts provide for preliminary assessments of technical feasibility, operability, or military utility as well as specific engineering implementations for integration into the various systems baseline configurations. These activities are managed by the Air Force through the 645th Aeronautical System Group (645th AESG, a.k.a. BIG SAFARI Program Office), 303rd Reconnaissance System Wing, Aeronautical Systems Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright Patterson AFB, OH. BIG SAFARI manages engineering, ground and support system modifications, integration, flight testing, product assurance, acceptance testing, logistics, and training activities. Aircraft, aircraft sensor systems, and associated ground support system modifications planned for FY10-FY15 include support for three distinct RC-135V/W RIVET JOINT configurations [Baselines 8, 9 & 10], two distinct RC-135U COMBAT SENT configurations [Baselines 3 & 4] and three distinct RC-135S COBRA BALL configurations [Baselines 2, 3 & 4]. The world-wide challenge of keeping pace against technologically agile targets used by both nation and non-nation-state adversaries and the rapid evolution of COTS technologies demands a responsive and adaptive acquisition strategy for fielding 'baseline capabilities' that are logistically supportable at all locations. The BIG SAFARI program office uses an incremental 'baseline' strategy to mitigate risk, find affordable solutions and field needed capabilities. Obsolescence and DMS/VVI are addressed with each baseline upgrade as well as annually as part of the sustainment responsibilities. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution and future program planning. This program effort is categorized as RDT&E budget activity 7, Operational Systems Development, because it involves Air Force R&D for technologies necessary to field essential operational capabilities.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2011
Source ID
0305207F_7_3600_PB_2011
Change Summary Explanation
FY 2010 funding includes $2.0M Congressional Add for Service Oriented Architectures development
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Air Traffic
  • Aircrafts
  • Combatant Commanders
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Cost Analysis
  • Costs
  • Engineering
  • Flight Testing
  • Ground Support
  • Life Cycle Management
  • Life Cycles
  • Logistics
  • National Security
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
  • Software Engineering.

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