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 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-8 can accomplish missions including over-the-horizon tactical reconnaissance, classification, targeting, laser designation and 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, dual aircraft operations, the incorporation of weapons, the incorporation of an electro-optical/infra-red/laser designator-laser range finder modular mission payload, radar, automatic identification system, and other specialty payloads. Interoperability is achieved through the use of the Tactical Control System software in the ground control station, and through the use of the Tactical Common Data Link. The data from the MQ-8 will be provided through standard Department of Defense Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2014
- Source ID
- 0305231N_7_1319_PB_2014
- Change Summary Explanation
- Technical: Navy VTUAV restructured to support Rapid Deployment Capability (RDC) initiatives for MQ-8C Endurance Upgrade, radar, weapons, and Special Operations Forces ISR payloads into VTUAV program and to transition the endurance upgrade capability into a Navy Program of Record to leverage the current RDC effort. Schedule: MQ-8B Initial Operating Capability, Full Rate Production and Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) changed due to a Navy decision to prioritize warfighter requirements in Afghanistan and other Urgent Operational Need locations ahead of OPEVAL. Additionally, the program will be procuring MQ-8C aircraft between FY12 and FY18 to support the SOF Rapid Deployment Capability 3 maritime orbit requirement. Radar RDC, Radar Integration Preliminary Design, Specialty Payload Reviews, and Quick Reaction Assessments (QRA) 2 changed due to Navy priorities and to align with fleet asset availability. VTUAV EMD changed to align with the expected completion of development efforts and contract closeout. COBRA Integration flight testing is complete. Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Integration Review changed to align with warfighter priorities and the LCS schedule. QRAs changed due to Navy priority and program of record transition. RDC MQ-8C II contract award changed to align with the revised contract schedule. Transition endurance upgrade capability to a Navy Program of Record.
- Service Agency Name
- Navy
Entities
Organizations
- United States Navy
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