Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA)
Abstract
The MQ-25 program, PU 3278, rapidly develops an unmanned capability to embark on Carrier Vessel, Nuclear (CVN) as part of the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) to conduct aerial refueling as a primary mission and provide Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) capability for 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 Expenditure 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, utilize 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. The MQ-25 system will enhance (CVN) capability and versatility for the Joint Forces Commander through the integration of a persistent, sea-based, multi-mission aerial refueling and reconnaissance UAS into the CVW. MQ-25 is comprised of an AS which will integrate with the UCA Mission Control System (UMCS) program. These architectural segments will be managed by the PMA-268 Government Lead Systems Integrator (LSI) that provides system-of-systems integration and is also responsible for managing enterprise-level UCA architecture and associated interfaces. MQ-25 Development includes development and test of the air vehicle to include software, peculiar support equipment, training systems and other logistics elements. In FY21, MQ-25 PU 3278 will continue to fund the Air System integration and interface development activities. The Engineering Development Models (EDMs) will complete production in FY21 and enter developmental flight-testing. The MQ-25 Government team will increase to meet testing and logistics readiness execution in FY21. Software contractor testing and test readiness reviews will continue in preparation for first flight. Final assembly of the third System Demonstration Test Article will complete. The Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Mission Control System (UMCS) program, PU 3279, develops and integrates the MQ-25 control station, designated the MD-5, and auxiliary communications systems using ARC-210 and Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) capable radios as well as a situational awareness display called the Video Management System (VidMS). UMCS also develops software for the MD-5 control station and integrates that software with MQ-25 unique software. UMCS performs CVN infrastructure modifications by reconfiguring several spaces within the carrier in order to install the MD-5 control station, auxiliary communications systems, and VidMS in support of MQ-25 test events and operations aboard select NIMITZ Class carriers. UMCS is also responsible for unique modifications to and integration with C4I systems that provide communications and network paths for Air Vehicle (AV) and mission payload (ISR data) connectivity. UMCS accomplishes this by integrating the MD-5 control station, with the MQ-25 AS along with multiple networks and systems both afloat and on shore. In FY21 UMCS will continue to fund the modification and installation of UMCS hardware and software on two CVNs needed for MQ-25 underway test periods. UMCS will continue product development and NRE activities for Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE), the Integrated Communication System (ICS), the MD-5 control station subsystems, the MUOS capable radios, and start testing. UMCS will continue the development and integration of UMCS software components and deliver two baselined configurations to the MQ-25 contractor in support of MQ-25 first flight activities. UMCS will continue the development and integration activities with multiple NAVWAR C4I programs of record (e.g. CVN networks, Navy Tactical Wide Area Networks, CVN and shore exploitation systems (i.e. The Distributed Common Ground System Navy (DCGS-N) and Classic Reach)and Common Data Link systems). JUSTIFICATION FOR BUDGET ACTIVITY: This program is funded under SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION because it includes 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, 2021
- Source ID
- 0605414N_5_1319_PB_2021
- Change Summary Explanation
- The FY 2021 funding request was reduced by (-$10.704M): PU 3278 ($-3.367) - The MQ-25 program completed a tech transfer (-$5.962M) to the ANTS POR, which supports the MQ-25 airborne networking requirements managed via PMW-160, and will incorporate the MQ-25 requirements into the ANTS/ADNS PORs. Additionally, other MISC rate adjustments (+$2.595M) has no impact to the MQ-25 efforts. PU 3279 (-$7.337) - (-$6.300M) reduced to account for the availability of prior year execution balances. Additionally, MISC rate adjustments of (-$1.037) has no impact to the UMCS efforts. Technical: PU 3279 - Due to the FY20 Congressional Directed Reductions, the UMCS program will cease installation plans on two CVNs reducing CVNs available and ready for MQ-25 test from four to two which adds additional risk to the program schedule and IOC. Schedule: Based on the reduction of CVNs available for test going from four to two, there will be a likelihood of a 10 month slide to the MQ-25 IOC. Schedules have been updated to provided greater insight into established milestones by reflecting critical schedule elements that affect or are directly correlated to future schedule milestones, updated delivery of Air Vehicle (AV) 1-4, and added delivery of System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTA) based on Prime Contractor delivery schedule.
- Service Agency Name
- Navy
Entities
Organizations
- United States Navy
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