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 Carrier Air Wing mission effectiveness range, partially mitigates the current Carrier Strike Group (CSG) organic ISR shortfall and fills the future Carrier Air Wing-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 Unmanned Aircraft Systems 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 Unmanned Aircraft System into the Carrier Air Wing. 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 Unmanned Carrier Aviation 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 2024, The program will continue Ground Control Station integration and begin ground and flight test with the air vehicles. All four Engineering Development Models (EDMs) and one of the three System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTAs) will deliver to the test program to support ground and flight testing. The second and third System Demonstration Test Articles and fatigue test article will complete build and be delivered in FY25 for testing. The program will continue to develop and integrate increased software capabilities into the aircraft in support of carrier suitability and mission systems evaluation The Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System program, PU 3279, is the system-of-systems required for MQ-25 vehicle and payload control both shipboard and shore based. Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System 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, consisting of Air Vehicle Pilot (AVP) 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 Ground Control Station variants: MD-5C (CVN-based), MD-5D (Shore-based) and MD-5E (Embarkable system for use on CVNs that do not yet have permanent Ground Control Station systems installed). Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System leverages existing Programs of Record (PoR) for network integration and line of sight/beyond line of sight communications and builds MQ-25 unique systems (e.g. an ARC-210 based line of sight communication system and a Video Management System (VidMS) for Air Vehicle Pilot situational awareness). The Ground Control Station 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. Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System develops and integrates software and modifies several aircraft carrier spaces to install and integrate the Ground Control Station and communication systems, in support of MQ-25A test events and operations aboard select NIMITZ Class CVNs. The Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System program modifies and integrates with existing, external Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence systems to provide network paths for air vehicle and mission payload data using a variety of wideband and narrowband communication paths. Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System accomplishes this by integrating the Ground Control Station and the MQ-25A air vehicle with multiple networks and systems both at sea and on shore. In FY 2024, Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System will finalize the interface design and install the MD-5E Embarkable system. The Embarkable system consists of a subset of the final Ground Control Station configuration hardware and test unique instrumentation installed and integrated with existing ship communication and network systems. Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System will also continue Ground Control Station software development and Correction of Deficiency (CoD) builds to support MQ-25 at-sea testing events in FY25. Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System will continue developing Technical Data Packages for system level components and continue providing system engineering, program management, and development support for the program. 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, 2024
- Source ID
- 0605414N_5_1319_PB_2024
- Change Summary Explanation
- PU 3278 FY2024 funding request was increased by $14.600 (less $1.235 in rate/misc adjustments) to fund MQ-25 Satellite for Test to support Initial Operational Capability. Schedule: PU 3278: R-4 Schedule Acquisition Milestone Knowledge points, Test Milestones and Air Vehicle (AV) Deliveries have shifted due to delays in the build of EDM and SDTAs and the Static Test Article due to supplier related quality escapes and learning associated with full size determinant assembly (FSDA) manufacturing processes. Production path forward determined and implemented for known quality escapes. End result has aircraft deliveries planned for FY23 now occurring in FY24 and FY25. PU 3279: R-4 Schedule updated to reflect current CVN install schedule along with latest UCA and CVN Test Windows.
- Service Agency Name
- Navy
Entities
Organizations
- United States Navy
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