MQ-8 UAV
Abstract
MQ-8 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Joint Military Intelligence Program. 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 data to tactical users without the use of manned aircraft or reliance on limited joint theater or national assets. The baseline MQ-8 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, the incorporation of weapons, the incorporation of an electro-optical/infra-red/laser designator-laser range finder modular mission payload, Radar and other specialty payloads. 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-8 will be provided through standard DoD Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- 0305231N_7_1319_PB_2012
- Change Summary Explanation
- Technical: OSD directed Navy to modify the MQ-8 system to achieve increased aircraft flight endurance to provide an interim maritime capability to Special Operations Forces (SOF). This requirement will require a larger airframe. New payload integration will also be done as part of the effort. Additionally, the CNO has directed a rapid fielding of a limited weapon capability to VTUAV. Schedule: Acquisition milestones have been adjusted due to software and flight test delays. - Initial Operational Capability (IOC) moved from 2Q FY10 to 1Q FY12. - Completion of Operational Evaluation OT-C-1 moved from 2Q FY10 to 1Q FY12. - Full Rate Production (FRP) decision moved to 2Q FY15 to accomodate endurance modifications. Additional Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) quantities and production years have been added to the schedule. Extends LRIP through FY14. Total LRIP quantity exceeds 10%. The completion dates of the following events have moved: - Engineering and Manufacturing Development VTUAV from 2Q FY10 to 4Q FY11. With the addition of LRIP IV through VIII, FRP awards and deliveries have been adjusted.
- Service Agency Name
- Navy
Entities
Organizations
- United States Navy
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