RQ-4 Modernization
Abstract
MISSION: The MQ-4C Triton MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Air System (UAS) is a high altitude-long endurance UAS designed to provide Fleet and combatant commanders with persistent maritime Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) of nearly all the world's high-density sea-lanes, littorals, and areas of national interest. The MQ-4C air vehicle, mission control system, specialized sensors, and communications suite play a significant role in achieving the Navy's strategic vision for the 21st century. The Triton system provides persistent ISR and unparalleled situational awareness of the maritime battle space to the supported combatant commander and fleet commander. The system also serves as a Fleet response plan enabler with a persistent, global force offering to provide critical trip wire information for intelligence preparation of the environment. Triton provides the Warfighter with unprecedented levels of battlespace awareness to synchronize actions necessary to maintain maritime Full Spectrum Superiority. Teamed with its manned-capability counterpart, the P-8A Poseidon, Triton is a key component of the Navy's maritime domain awareness family of systems. MQ-4C Triton leverages Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force manpower, training and maintenance efficiencies. Triton Early Operational Capability (EOC) was successfully deployed in 2020. Following EOC, the MQ-4C Triton UAS continues to develop incremental capabilities within the ongoing acquisition program to meet program requirements in support of the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) enabling EP-3 Aries sundown and the Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (MISR-T) transition plan. Increment 1 upgrades to the EOC system support program Initial Operational Capability (IOC) meeting NDAA 2011 requirements enabling MISR-T transition and EP-3 sundown. Increment 1 provides Multi-Intelligence capabilities, Counter Electronic Attack upgrades, and data dissemination across multiple classification domains and successfully completes in FY 2023. Increment 2 initiated during FY 2023, will develop advanced radar modes inclusive of Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI), Enhanced Electro-Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) detection in support of Geographic Intelligence (GEOINT) for increased maritime domain awareness, Integration of High Gain Aperture (HGA) for improved Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), communications and networks resiliency in denied environments, implementation of multi-UA Command and Control (C2), and implementation of Sense and Avoid (SAA) traffic and weather capability for increased mission availability and airspace integration, as well as addressing required Diminishing Manufacturing Source (DMS) and cyber security updates. The full MQ-4C Triton sensor suite provides near worldwide coverage through a network of orbits inside and outside continental United States, with sufficient air vehicles to remain airborne for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, out to ranges of 2,000 nautical miles. Onboard sensors provide detection, classification, tracking and identification of maritime targets and include maritime radar, electro-optical/infra-red and SIGINT/ systems. Additionally, the MQ-4C communications relay capability links dispersed forces in the theater of operations and allows Triton to serve as a node in the Navy's networked strategy. Tactical-level data analysis occurs in real-time at shore-based mission control sites connected to the air vehicle via satellite communications. Further intelligence exploitation can be conducted at Fleet shore-based sites or aboard aircraft carriers and other ships. JUSTIFICATION FOR BUDGET ACTIVITY: The FY 2024 funding is provided for the incorporation of incremental capability upgrades improving mission effectiveness, execution, and survivability through incorporation of Multi-UA command and control, weather avoidance overlays, expanded flight envelope through icing conditions, Sense and Avoid (SAA), M-Code integration, J11 message set for weapons targeting, Multi-Function Active Sensor (MFAS) Radar upgrades, Joint Signal Processor (JSP), High Gain Aperture (HGA), and Alternative Networks. Additional supportability improvements will address required Diminishing Manufacturing Source (DMS) and cyber security updates. This program is funded under OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT because it includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2024
- Source ID
- 0305421N_7_1319_PB_2024
- Change Summary Explanation
- CHANGES: Funding: FY 2024 was increased by $0.598M for various miscellaneous economic adjustments. Additionally, the program received an increase of $40.526M to support development of advanced radar modes, Enhanced Electro-Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) detection for increased maritime domain awareness, as well as integration improved Signal Intelligence, communications and networks resiliency in denied environments to support increased mission availability. Technical: N/A. Schedule: Phased Capability Upgrades - Increment 2 Development Start 3QFY2023; - Continuation of Radar Signal Processor (RSP) re-design enhancement efforts, High Gain Aperture for improved SIGINT development, and multi-UA Command and Control. - 4.2 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)/ Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) certification required by 2Q FY24 - Sense and Avoid (SAA) PDR 2QFY24, CDR 4QFY24
- Service Agency Name
- Navy
Entities
Organizations
- United States Navy
Related Documents
- Child Project: RQ-4 Modernization
- Child Accomplishment: Product Development
- Child Accomplishment: ILS, Support, Studies & Analysis
- Child Accomplishment: Test & Evaluation (T&E)
- Child Accomplishment: Program Management (PM)
- Child Cost Item: 2bd80fba2d5f3cba54152e9325308ee9
- Child Cost Item: 7cd59ca961083378d3bbb321a2a91cea
- Child Cost Item: f7cd0d1189970653240b725cda0aa597
- Child Cost Item: 79fac7251740fd777d94d0fb4efaa216
- Child Cost Item: d37f8b9990c8bc779a8779aab41d402a
- Child Cost Item: cb29e4bf42889334da4e3dcb9d6cb6b0
- Child Cost Item: cd1d013fae821767a7a3b03a81ee9c79
- Child Cost Item: a6afa7652987d73344b89e2d4ee0eed3
- Child Cost Item: b5e1f385c96d68aa98dbc866a79ea648
- Child Cost Item: 517b75efaff22d5421ebae8f4d762456
- Child Cost Item: 5c05c6c349407d2f73949830c2667d8b
- Child Cost Item: 841d124641c96e89ad8dd362162148db
- Child Cost Item: 3800176ff1e27fb263dcfae480bddc95
- Child Cost Item: 66801e29f8f26f139c980eae392a6429
- Child Cost Item: b91130cc773158695fe38d3cd2657f38
- Child Cost Item: d1b3abd94cafe16ee2d8c9bd5de15099
- Child Cost Item: a5629c522f6ff928a65fb3a4050478a4
- Child Cost Item: ecb1bbb5aedca430f8a9c2763226c088
- Child Cost Item: b8a5c83ef6478984eab43cca52f95c59
- Child Cost Item: 1e77e253e527ebef64f4c4cdb84e7651
- Child Cost Item: 9cdde78777e573a2b662faf715982bf8
- Child Cost Item: f8493de9f0f1192fd130e60424e99af3
- Child Cost Item: 6e81847e8aa32de70ccc247cc695ce0e
- Child Cost Item: 8d9f284d57484626634bcb27b06ad77b
- Child Cost Item: 1710c51af5ae261a965b9795fd986c01
- Child Cost Item: 9331bd6ea8e8f94faa75a791662f69b5
- Child Cost Item: 4229eebd9ffd708ad940719af20f89cf
- Child Cost Item: fd496bd973f618f02a90681c8355ec0a
- Child Cost Item: 7ada078a26a80c6f38f3e5c18932b92c
- Child Cost Item: 05c433c99e01bc4e57609a4e3eb776a5
- Child Cost Item: 31b842ef4a917acee1e2a7625b72970d
- Child Cost Item: 5d76e9a215e40b6ef47f17542b48b47f
- Child Cost Item: bf5a499a4166e6568b7b336adeb7cb52