RQ-4 UAV

Abstract

This program element funds five (5) related Air Force projects sharing the Global Hawk platform in common: the Global Hawk Baseline (Block 10/20/30) subprogram, the RQ-4 Block 40 subprogram, the RQ-4 Ground Segment/ Communications System subprogram, the RQ-4 Airborne Sense & Avoid (ABSAA) subprogram, and the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP). Global Hawk: The Global Hawk Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) provides a high altitude, deep look, long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability that compliments space and other airborne collectors during peacetime, crisis, and war-fighting scenarios. This funding supports the development of Global Hawk aircraft, payloads and ground and support segments. The RQ-4B remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) is the successor to the Block 10 RQ-4A, and is designed to employ 3000 pounds of payload and enable multi-intelligence (multi-INT) collecting. The Block 20 employs the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) payload and Block 30I employs upgraded Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors known as the Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite (EISS) in the imagery intelligence (IMINT) - only configuration. The Block 30M employs the same EISS sensors as the Block 30I, but adds the Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload (ASIP) sensor. The Block 40 will only integrate the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) radar sensor. The ground segment includes the Mission Control Element (MCE) and the Launch and Recovery Element (LRE). The support segment includes aerospace ground equipment, tech orders, spares, support equipment, and training to enable operation of the Global Hawk system. When judged feasible and affordable, this program will participate in the development, testing, and implementation of international standards to enhance joint, allied, and coalition interoperability. Studies and activities may be initiated to explore the utility of incorporating the emerging architectural standards such as the USAF UAV Command and Control Initiative (UCI) or the DoD's UAV Control Segment standards. The Global Hawk program will maintain capability and interoperability for Blocks 20/30/40 including efforts with system of system's partners and continue to incorporate applicable synergies with other platforms such as the U.S. Navy's Triton, USAF Predator/Reaper, other RPA weapon systems, and Processing, Exploitation & Dissemination (PED) elements. Activities also include studies and analysis supporting current and future program planning, mission planning upgrade development and testing, program protection and project execution. FY14 funding continues MP-RTIP sensor integration and funds Block 40 IOT&E. Multi Platform - Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP): The MP-RTIP sensor was designed as a family of modular, scalable sensors that provide next generation capabilities to support sustainable network centric operations with integrated Command and Control Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C2ISR) capability. MP-RTIP provides the Global Hawk Block 40 aircraft with advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Moving Target Indicator (MTI) sensor capabilities. This project includes all MP-RTIP design, development, test, and integration efforts onto the GH Block 40 platform. Integration activities include platform integration of the MP-RTIP sensor and sustainment logistics planning support. Future MP-RTIP studies and development insertion include the implementation of maritime modes, High Range Resolution (HRR) modes, electronic protection, technical refresh, product improvements and other advanced capabilities. FY14 funding continues post MP-RTIP Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E) software update and design/development of remaining requirements. Funding continues to provide MP-RTIP government acquisition support services, with emphasis on acquisition management, documentation delivery and remaining requirements. MP-RTIP Test & Evaluation cost includes test planning, sensor integration and post IOT&E software updates. MP-RTIP Other Government Costs also provide acquisition services for program office infrastructure, contract planning, and contract awards for remaining program requirements. Activities also include studies and analysis supporting current and future program planning and future modes development based on user requirements. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System 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 funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2014
Source ID
0305220F_7_3600_PB_2014
Change Summary Explanation
FY14 (-)$62.852 decrease: represents rephasing of funds to higher AF priorities.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Human Systems
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Command And Control
  • Communication Systems
  • Contracts
  • Cost Analysis
  • Engineering
  • High Altitude
  • Logistics
  • Logistics Planning
  • Program Management
  • Radar
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • 5G
  • 5G - DoD 5G Program
  • 5G - Internet of Things
  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs
  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
  • Microelectronics
  • Space

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