RQ-4 UAV

Abstract

USAF plans to begin divestment of the Block 20 aircraft in FY21 and the Block 30 aircraft in FY22. To maximize value to the USAF and DoD, efforts will be pivoted to focus on supporting the Block 40 fleet and Block 30 closeout actions. This program element funds related Air Force projects sharing the RQ-4 platform in common: the RQ-4 Block 30, the RQ-4 Block 40, RQ-4 Capability Enhancements, and Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP). The RQ-4 Block 30 and Block 40 projects support the development and testing of the ACAT 1C RQ-4 capability and the initiation of the major modification ACAT programs. The majority of the modernization funding was transferred to the Capability Enhancement project (675149) to support upgrades and modifications, including established ACAT I and II programs, to the fielded RQ-4 weapon system to meet evolving threats and warfighter requirements. The MP-RTIP project completes development and testing of the baseline MDAP MP-RTIP sensor capability. 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 further explore the utility of incorporating the emerging architectural standards such as the USAF Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Command and Control Initiative (UCI) or the DoD's Unmanned Control Segment standards (UCS) and Open Mission Systems (OMS). Ground Segment Modernization Program (GSMP) will incorporate UCI and UCS standards. Per direction of USD (AT&L), the RQ-4 program was restructured from the original project 675144 (Baseline) into multiple projects: (1) Block 30, (2) Block 40, (3) Ground Segment/Communications System, and (4) Common-Airborne Sense and Avoid (C-ABSAA). In FY17 the Ground Segment/Communications System project (675147) ended. In FY18 the RQ-4 Block 40 project (675146) ended. Prior year funds in the amount of 2,031.377M were accounted for in project 675144, 85.375M were accounted for in project 675147, and 174.264M were accounted for in project 675146. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver RQ-4 UAV capabilities. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F. In FY20 4.165M expended and in FY21 4.891M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. 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.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2022
• Source ID: 0305220F_7_3600_PB_2022
• Change Summary Explanation: USAF plans to begin divestment of the Block 20 aircraft in FY21 and the Block 30 aircraft in FY22. To maximize value to the USAF and DoD, efforts will be pivoted to focus on supporting the Block 40 fleet and Block 30 closeout actions. FY21 Congressional add of $28.7M for Waypoint Modification solution.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Air Platforms
• Autonomy
• C4I
• Sensors
• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Air Force
• Aircrafts
• Airframes
• Command And Control
• Cost Analysis
• Engineering
• Ground Control Stations
• High Altitude
• Maintenance
• Program Management
• Surveillance
• Synthetic Aperture Radar
• Systems Engineering
• Test And Evaluation
• Unmanned Aerial Systems
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Readers

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

Technology Areas

• Autonomy
• Fully Networked C3