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 (645 AESG, a.k.a. BIG SAFARI Program Office), 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 engineering planned for FY12 include support for two distinct RC-135V/W RIVET JOINT configurations [Baselines 10 & 11], two distinct RC-135U COMBAT SENT configurations [Baselines 4 & 5] and two distinct RC-135S COBRA BALL configurations [Baselines 4 & 5]. 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 is in Budget Activity 7, Operational Systems Development, because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production fielding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2012
• Source ID: 0305207F_7_3600_PB_2012
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

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

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.