MQ-8 UAV

Abstract

The MQ-8 (popular name "Fire Scout") Vertical Take-off Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) provides real-time and non-real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) data to tactical users without the use of manned aircraft or reliance on limited joint theater or national assets. The baseline MQ-8B can accomplish missions including over-the-horizon tactical reconnaissance, classification,targeting, laser designation and battle management (including communications relay). The MQ-8 launches and recovers vertically and can operate from air capable ships, as well as confined area land bases. Other characteristics include autonomous air vehicle launch and recovery, autonomous waypoint navigation with command override capability and the incorporation of an electro-optical/infrared/laser designator-laser range finder modular mission payload. Increment 2 is underway providing the multi-mode RADAR capability. Interoperability is achieved through the use of the Tactical Control System (TCS) software in the ground control station, and through the use of the Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL). The data from the MQ-8B will be provided through standard DoD Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR).

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2011
Source ID
0305231N_7_1319_PB_2011
Change Summary Explanation
Technical: Not applicable. Schedule: Acquisition milestones have been adjusted due to software and flight test delays. IOC and the completion of OT-C1 OPEVAL moved from 4Q FY09 to 2Q FY10, and the completion of VTUAV EMD moved from the end of 4Q FY09 to the end of 2Q FY10. Added Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Integration to enable VTUAV to integrate, test and deploy onboard LCS 1&2 for the Surface Warfare, Mine Counter-Measures and Anti Submarine Warfare modules. Increment 2 Radar payload procurement starts in FY13 with Increment 2 IOC in FY15. Studies and analysis schedule updated to reflect a continuing effort vice a new start in FY10. COBRA and Radar were a spiral effort. Due to the Sub-Program designation of the Radar upgrade program, the schedule has been updated to show these programs separately. FRP moved 2 months due to delayed OPEVAL entry. Extended deliveries (LRIP II) per updated production estimates from Prime Contractor. New delivery period is from 2Q FY10 to 2Q FY11. FY11 from previous President's Budget is shown as zero because no FY11-15 data was presented in President's Budget 2010.
Service Agency Name
Navy

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Navy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Control Systems
  • Cost Analysis
  • Engineering
  • Ground Control Stations
  • Laser Guidance
  • Laser Target Designators
  • Littoral Combat Ships
  • Office Personnel
  • Range Finders
  • Reconnaissance
  • Ships
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Vehicles
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs
  • Directed Energy
  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control

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