(U) Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA)
Abstract
The MQ-25 program rapidly develops an unmanned capability to embark on CVNs as part of the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) to conduct aerial refueling as a primary mission and provide Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) capability as a secondary mission. MQ-25 extends CVW mission effectiveness range, partially mitigates the current Carrier Strike Group (CSG) organic ISR shortfall and fills the future CVW-tanker gap, mitigating Strike Fighter shortfall and preserving F/A-18E/F Fatigue Life for its primary missions. As the first carrier-based, group 5 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), MQ-25 will pioneer the integration of manned and unmanned operations, demonstrate mature complex sea-based Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) UAS technologies, and pave the way for future multifaceted multi-mission UAS to pace emerging threats. MQ-25 requirements are aligned with the Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) and the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Family of Systems (FoS) ICD, which highlight the need for carrier-based refueling and persistent ISR capabilities. The Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) endorsed the UCLASS ICD in April 2011 and formally approved it on 9 Jun 11 via Joint Requirements Oversight Council Memorandum (JROCM) 087-11. The NGAD FoS ICD was validated by the JROC on 18 August 2015 and formally approved by JROCM 087-15. The JROC's guidance delineated in the validated ICDs and subsequent JROCMs was to establish a requirement for a versatile platform that supports a myriad of organic Naval missions such as aerial refueling and ISR to support the CSG. The JROC validated the Capability Development Document (CDD) for MQ-25 Carrier Based Unmanned Air System (CBUAS) on 21 July 2017. MQ-25 is expected to provide an Initial Operational Capability to the fleet in 2026. The newly established ACAT III Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Mission Control System (UMCS). UMCS is comprised of the Control System & Connectivity (CS&C) and Carrier (CVN) Segments previously captured under the MQ-25 Development PU 3278. The Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Mission Control System (UMCS) program consists of the MQ-25 control station, designated the MD-5, and modifications to the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems and Carrier Vessel, Nuclear (CVN) infrastructure required for MQ-25 vehicle and mission control. This program is funded under SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION because it includes some projects that have passed Milestone B approval and are conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to full-rate production decision.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- 0605414N_5_1319_PB_2019
- Change Summary Explanation
- Technical: Not Applicable. Schedule: Fixed Fleet Control Station Delivery and Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HME) Install 4/5 removed and will be procured out of OPN LI 4269 (UMCS-Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Mission Control System). Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract award delayed approximately six weeks due to a delay in the release of the final RFP. Funding: Increase in FY2019 funding in the net amount of $233.9M provides required profile to meet Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) priority and Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) validated IOC threshold date of FY2026 (contract award plus 8 years).
- Service Agency Name
- Navy
Entities
Organizations
- United States Navy
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