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, and 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) technologies, and pave the way for future multi-faceted, multi-mission UASs 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 ISR UAS into the CVW. MQ-25 is comprised of an Air System which will integrate with the 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 FY 2023, the first three Engineering Development Models (EDMs) and two System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTAs) will deliver and begin ground and flight testing. Production of the static test article will complete and perform all static testing analysis in support of IUF, boarding rate, catapult, and arrested landing loads. The fourth EDM will complete instrumentation installation and begin ground and flight testing in FY24. The third SDTA and fatigue test article will complete production and be delivered in FY24 for testing. The program will continue to develop and integrate increased software capabilities into the A/C in support of carrier suitability and mission systems evaluation. The Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Mission Control System (UMCS) program, PU 3279, is the system-of-systems required for MQ-25 vehicle and payload control both shipboard and shore based. UMCS consists of all ground and ship based hardware, software, and networks associated with the planning and execution of flight operations and tactical missions. In addition to the Ground Control Station (GCS), consisting of Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) workstations and servers, the UMCS program builds hardware to support line of sight (LOS) communications, beyond line of sight (BLOS) satellite communications (SATCOM), and integration with ship/shore based systems. There are three GCS variants: MD-5C (CVN-based), MD-5D (Shore-based) and MD-5E (Embarkable system for use on CVNs that do not yet have permanent GCS systems installed). UMCS leverages existing Programs of Record (PoR) for network integration and LOS/BLOS communications and builds MQ-25 unique systems (e.g. an ARC-210 based LOS communication system and a Video Management System (VidMS) for AVO situational awareness). The GCS streamlines software development, supports multiple classification levels, and positions MQ-25A interoperability with other DoD systems. Hardware development and fabrication is one facet of the program. UMCS develops and integrates software and modifies several aircraft carrier spaces to install and integrate the GCS and communication systems, in support of MQ-25A test events and operations aboard select NIMITZ Class CVNs. The UMCS program modifies and integrates with existing, external Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems to provide network paths for AV and mission payload data using a variety of wideband and narrowband communication paths. UMCS accomplishes this by integrating the GCS and the MQ-25A AV with multiple networks and systems both at sea and on shore. In FY 2023, UMCS will complete GCS software development and develop Correction of Deficiency (CoD) builds to support MQ-25 test events. UMCS will complete assembly of the MD-5E, an Embarkable system, consisting of a subset of GCS hardware and test unique instrumentation into three CONEX boxes that will be integrated with existing ship communication and network systems. The temporary infrastructure for the MD-5E will be installed on two (2) aircraft carriers in support of FY23 and FY24 MQ-25 test events. UMCS will continue providing system engineering, program management, and development/integration/test for wideband and narrowband LOS and BLOS communication 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 a full-rate production decision.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2023
• Source ID: 0605414N_5_1319_PB_2023
• Change Summary Explanation: PU 3279 FY 2023 funding request was reduced by $3.059 million to account for the availability of prior year execution balances. Schedule: PU 3278: R-4 schedule - Acquisition Milestone Knowledge Points have shifted due to delays in the build of Engineering Development Model (EDM) Air Vehicles for test. Software development and integration of the Air Vehicles with the Ground Control Station is progressing slower than expected but is outpacing build of the Air Vehicles. - Air Vehicle (AV) Deliveries - Multiple factors have resulted in delays to the delivery of EDM aircraft. The aircraft design was intentionally paused to optimize weight and strength; quality issues and Notice of Escapes have been identified during the build process and Root Cause Corrective actions to determine the path forward are in work. Some components have been appropriately driven back to the supplier for correction. Additionally, a redesign of the lightening protection solution is still being evaluated for implementation into the design. COVID has had an impact on the manufacture and delivery of parts from suppliers thus impacting the aircraft build timeline. PU 3279: R-4 Schedule updated to reflect latest CVN availability which deletes CVN C MD-5E Temporary Installation in FY23. --- FY 2023 funding increase reflects the fact that the FY 2022 President’s Budget request did not include out-year funding.
• Service Agency Name: Navy

Entities

Organizations

• United States Navy

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Autonomy
• C4I
• Cyber
• Ground and Sea Platforms
• Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Aircrafts
• Command And Control
• Communication Systems
• Control Systems
• Ground Control Stations
• Line Of Sight
• Logistics
• Logistics Management
• Maintenance
• Manufacturing
• Procurement
• Software Development
• System Of Systems
• Systems Engineering
• Test And Evaluation
• Test Facilities
• Unmanned Aerial Systems

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Autonomy
• Autonomy - UAVs
• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space
• Space - Satellites